Explore how each house is supported by the broader Oxford House network. Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a 28-day rehabilitation program or at least a 5 to 10 day detoxification program. View and download the latest House and Chapter Manuals, along with other forms used to conduct weekly house meetings. Each house adheres to the absolute requirement that any member who returns to using alcohol or drugs must be immediately expelled. Oxford House, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that employs both office and field staff. Personal hygiene products and food are the responsibility of each member.
The Sober House Business
That was an important change because recovering individuals take different lengths of time to become comfortable enough in sobriety to avoid relapse. We were founded jointly by https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ Vanderburgh House, an operator of sober houses in Massachusetts, and Vanderburgh Communities, an organization supporting sober living and recovery home operators. If you would like to add a listing to our sober house directory, please let us know.
Every opportunity should be given to a member who needs professional help to see that he obtains it. Some operate for several years and then, because of expiration of a lease, dissatisfaction with the facilities, or simply the finding of a better location, the members of a particular House will move into a new location. Other Houses often help that type of move as well as the brand new House. In both cases, financial assistance is in the form of a loan having a pay back schedule, not to exceed one year, defined up front. (Since 1989, many new Oxford Houses have taken advantage of state revolving loan programs.
Why Do People Choose to Live in an Oxford House?
The rent that is charged the members is determined by the members themselves in a democratic fashion. The rules which govern the house are for the most part also made by those who live in a particular Oxford House Such autonomy is essential for the Oxford House system to work. The OHI field staff travel to Oxford Houses, Chapters, and Associations to provide technical assistance and training, assist with expansion, and network in the community. Oxford House, Inc. is a separate nonprofit organization that provides support and training to the network of houses to help expand the Oxford House Model. Rent and the various utilities paid by residents vary by location, but the cost of living in an Oxford House is usually no more than what it would cost to live elsewhere.
- Oxford House sober living is a concept in recovery for a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home.
- Paul Molloy was a young lawyer on Capitol Hill who had a key role in drafting legislation that created Amtrak and other federal programs.
- Some houses collect EES from its members on a monthly basis while many houses choose to collect EES on a weekly basis.
- Oxford House is the largest network of recovery homes anywhere, with houses in all major areas of Tennessee.
- Yes, the prospective residents of the House can find a suitable house, rent it, put up the security deposit and pay the first month’s rent themselves.
We provide a safe, affordable living environment that is supportive of individuals with substance use disorder.
Any member who drinks alcohol or uses drugs will be immediately expelled. Each member pays EES (Equal Expense Share) which includes the total amount of rent due for the month, utilities and basic staples for the house. There’s no time limit on how long a member can live in an Oxford House.
Great! Let’s look at the broader Oxford House network.
To learn more about different types of recovery housing and their accreditation, you can visit the National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR) website. While no one is ever asked to leave an Oxford House without cause, some individuals will simply outgrow living in an Oxford House. They will return to their families; they may start new families; they may simply move into another living situation. The concept and the standardized, democratic, self-supported Oxford House system of operations itself are far more persuasive than any individual.
Oxford Houses work because they are:
The Oxford House Model provides a unique and successful system of operations that differs from traditional sober living homes and halfway houses. If you are interested in opening a sober house as a business sober house venture, get in touch with Vanderburgh Communities for more information. Oxford House, Inc. acts as the coordinating body for providing charters for the opening of new Oxford Houses.
What are the requirements for becoming a resident, and how long can someone stay in an Oxford House?
The World Council is comprised of 12 members, 9 of which presently live in an Oxford House, 3 who are alumni. Having time to become comfortable in sobriety might be the single most important part of the Oxford House success story. Using this cost-effective method to improve the chances of recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction, may be the best way to show the community that recovery works and that recovering individuals can become model citizens. In conclusion, Oxford Houses offer a unique and valuable option for individuals seeking a supportive and safe environment to maintain their sobriety. With their self-run, democratic structure and emphasis on peer support, Oxford Houses empower residents to take responsibility for their recovery while fostering personal growth. We try to provide current information but cannot monitor every recovery home listing and do not guarantee the accuracy of listings.
- Every opportunity should be given to a member who needs professional help to see that he obtains it.
- Each member has one vote and majority rule applies except that 80% of the members must agree in accepting new persons for membership.
- When you call a house to set up an interview you can ask them how much their EES is.
- Officers have fixed terms of office to avoid bossism or corruption of egalitarian democracy.
- However, the members of Oxford House have found only by being active in AA and/or NA have they found comfortable, long-term sobriety — for themselves and the Oxford House in which they live.
- Residents live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse.
The first Oxford House was started in 1975 in Silver Springs MD by a group of recovering alcoholics/addicts who were living in a halfway house that was closing down. Worried that they would have to leave and not have a safe place to go, they decided to rent a house together and hold each other accountable to staying sober. Within six months they had enough money saved to open a second house, to meet the need for more beds. With the help of Federal and State programs this growth has continued and today there are Oxford Houses in almost every state, and in several countries. Additionally, the democratic decision-making process allows residents to address any safety concerns collectively and implement appropriate measures to ensure a secure and supportive living environment. Yes, the Oxford House community is built on the foundation of peer support.
With Oxford House there is no need for a recovering individual to live in an environment dominated by loneliness. Oxford Houses are self-run, democratic sober living homes for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Established in 1975, these homes aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where residents can work together to maintain their sobriety and transition back into the community. Having time to become comfortable in recovery might be the single most important part of the Oxford House success story.
The houses are self-supporting and democratically run so every house does their own interviews and votes on new member admittance. The members of an Oxford House assume full responsibility for the operation of the House. The House is theirs and in no way is it part of any other organization.
The average number of times an Oxford House resident has been through prior treatment is three, but for about a quarter of residents their Oxford House residency is after their first treatment episode. Equal Expense Shared (EES) is generally between 80 and 160 dollars a week and includes utilities. Weekly business meetings are mandatory to discuss any issues that the house may be facing. It is at these meetings that checks are written for bills and residents are made aware of where they stand financially. The reason that each Oxford House is independent arises from the very practical consideration that those who are closest to a situation are best able to manage it.
