MASH MASH Standards

Resident and staff orientations include how to greet and interact with neighbors and/or concerned parties. 27.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors. Community gatherings, recreational events and/or other social activities occur periodically. Verification that Naloxone is accessible at each location, and appropriate individuals are knowledgeable and trained in its use. 19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations. Verification that entertainment or what is alcoholism recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided.

Providing access to a sober lifestyle.

Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Successful sober homes establish and reinforce healthy lifestyles, provide a safe and stable place to live, conduct meaningful activities, and build relationships and social networks for support. Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.

Document Certification Task List

• Each guest can expect a clean bed, sufficient clothing storage, HDTV w/ cable and free wifi in every room inside a clean, well maintained home cared for by the guests who stay there!
• Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing​.
• In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes.
• You will respect the privacy and personal rights of all residents.
• Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible.
• Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building.
• Verification that each resident has personal item storage.

Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Policies and procedures that promote resident-driven length of stay.

MASH Certified Sober Homes

Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically-based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by ensuring 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. Today, MASH oversees more than 180 certified sober homes. The organization’s core values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community, aligning closely with mash sober living NARR’s principles to foster environments that promote long-term recovery and personal growth. The mission of the MASH is to support individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments.

These standards are outlined here. We promote and enforce the SAMHSA recognized National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards.

Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement. Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.

• You will ensure residents are properly oriented to the home’s emergency procedures.
• These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term recovery.
• The Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity uses evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity.
• 19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations.
• Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.

Residents participate in weekly in-house meetings, random urine screens, and 12-step or other group-format meetings according to the level of support each resident requires. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. The Code of Ethics must be signed by all home owners, operators, managers, staff, and volunteers. This statement commits the signer to adhere to this code of ethics and to maintain a vital concern for the lives and well being of all persons. We are active from the local to the state level, continuously advocating for the rights of sober home residents and operators.

C. Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership

Click the button below to learn more about our adult men’s sober community, the criteria for admission, and to apply for residency. Each guest can expect a clean bed, sufficient clothing storage, HDTV w/ cable and free wifi in every room inside a clean, well maintained home cared for by the guests who stay there! Our homes are smoke free but there are plenty of designated outdoor smoking areas. Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times.