The Massachusetts NARR State affiliate plays a pivotal role in the recovery housing landscape, ensuring that individuals seeking sobriety have access to safe, supportive environments. Recovery housing is crucial for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment to independent living. In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) is the designated affiliate of the National Alliance https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for Recovery Residences (NARR), which sets national standards for recovery residences. As of 2023, MASH oversees over 180 certified sober homes in the state, providing essential oversight and support to ensure these homes meet rigorous safety and ethical standards MASH – Standards.
State agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes.
- VSL Chartered Operators receive mock inspection templates, pre-inspection checklists, and coaching to ensure they’re fully prepared.
- Gap assessments, program development, preparation for certification, assisting with implementation of health and safety committees, and providing support.
- Neighborhood associations and local governments engage with operators to address concerns such as safety or community impact.
- Read more about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), including its history, standards, and impact on recovery housing nationwide.
Whether in a classroom setting or virtual environment, our customized programs enhance workplace safety, compliance, and overall healthcare excellence. The certification program is called Safe Work Certification (also known as MASH Certification), which is achieved through an audit. The audit assesses various aspects of the workplace, such as the violence prevention program infection control, hazard management, and overall working conditions, to ensure that staff are working in a safe environment. Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes. Any home not certified by September 1, 2016 will not be able to accept clients from state agencies or their vendors until certified. Building a safety and health program is crucial to having a safe and psychologically healthy work environment.
How to Certify a Sober House in Massachusetts with MASH
It is designed to clarify their role in providing a safe and healthy workplace for workers. The training is intended for those who have charge of a workplace, authority over a worker. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a nonprofit organization that promotes quality standards for recovery housing across the United States. Its affiliates, such as MASH in Massachusetts, are responsible for certifying recovery residences to ensure they meet national standards of safety, support, and accountability. Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by the Vanderburgh Foundation, a mash certified sober homes registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. VSL to support and equip operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing.
What to Expect During the Sober House Inspection
Public hearings and meetings provide platforms for dialogue, balancing the needs of residents and the broader community. Massachusetts sober living homes are facing a high degree of NIMBY pushback in the community. In New Bedford, for example, at least 18 sober living homes have been under what appears to possibly be a coordinated city-led harassment campaign.
MASH Certification & Compliance Agreement
- Massachusetts boasts one of the best recovery environments in the United States, and certainly one of the strongest sober living communities in New England.
- The purpose of this half-day compressed session, is to re-introduce supervisors the safety and health program.
- The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by helping to ensure access to high-quality sober living environments across Massachusetts.
- Established in 2007 by a group of sober home operators, MASH was founded to address the need for consistent standards and accountability within the sober housing community.
- Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards.
They bring a wealth of knowledge and techniques to the program, ensuring each participant receives valuable insights and personalized guidance. This is different from other states, like Indiana, which offers a Sober living house NARR-affiliated certification as well as an officially state-administered certification program. Read more about sober living home strategy and management in our blog post, Everything You Need to Open Your Sober Living Home in Massachusetts. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct. Policies protecting resident Drug rehabilitation and community privacy and confidentiality.