Defining Recovery Housing
SoberHomes, is committed to providing top-tier recovery housing that adheres to the best practices set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). We understand the critical importance of developing strong partnerships, creating effective policies, and drafting comprehensive contracts to support individuals in their recovery journey.
About Welvida
Welvida is an impact investment company dedicated to improving outcomes in behavioral health and addiction. In response to the growing need for sober living and recovery housing, we developed SoberHomes to provide clean and supportive living environments for individuals in recovery.
Evidence-Based Success
Research by SAMHSA indicates that Level II recovery residences, such as sober living houses (SLHs), significantly improve abstinence rates, mental health, and reduce criminal justice involvement. These benefits are observed regardless of the referral source (Polcin et al., 2010). Sober living houses offer a vital, yet underutilized, resource for individuals completing residential treatment, participating in outpatient programs, leaving incarceration, or seeking alternatives to formal treatment (Polcin & Henderson, 2008).
SoberHomes' Mission and Model
Since 2016, SoberHomes has focused on providing recovery housing to individuals leaving inpatient drug treatment with co-occurring mental illnesses. Our model involves collaborating with local agencies to identify populations with unmet needs and opening facilities to serve these populations. We are dedicated to creating facilities that serve any demographic in need– men, women, parents with children, veterans etc.
Recovery Housing Guidelines for Continuum of Care (CoC) Partnerships
- Clear Resident Expectations: Clearly stated at the beginning of occupancy and shared with referral agencies.
- Comprehensive Contracts: Ensure that all terms and expectations are transparent and agreed upon.
- Whole Person Care: Includes medication-assisted treatment, therapy, stable housing, peer support, 12-step participation, certified peer recovery coaches, and engagement in work, school, or volunteering.
- Support for Medically Assisted Treatment: We support the use of medication-assisted treatment for addiction and medication adherence for mental and physical disorders.
- Medication Management: While we provide medication lock boxes, we do not monitor medication administration. Our program fosters a culture of treatment adherence and support.
- Peer Support and Community Involvement: Fundamental to our program, including weekly community meetings and peer-led recovery program participation.
- Employment and Volunteering: Members are required to seek employment, work, attend school, or volunteer part-time.
- Person-Driven Recovery Plans: Customized to meet each member’s personal recovery goals.
HUD Requirements for Recovery Housing –Permanent Supportive Housing
- Self-Initiated Participation: We seek motivated individuals who voluntarily join our program.
- Permanent : We have no time limit for individuals who join our program.
- Acceptance of All Recovery Stages: We welcome individuals at various stages of recovery, from those actively seeking to stop substance use to those maintaining abstinence.
- Minimal Barriers: No requirement for clean criminal or eviction history; only passing drug and alcohol tests is required.
- 24/7 Access and Privacy: We ensure personal privacy and access to the premises at all times. Privacy is maintained in group homes through measures like curtains on bunks and private restrooms.
- Holistic Services and Peer-Based Support: Incorporates Member Managers, Member Mentors, 12-step requirements, and cooperation with local agencies.
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Tailored to each member’s choices, such as opting for Dharma Recovery instead of traditional 12-step programs or altering curfew times facilitate work or healthy engagements.
- Relapse Policy: Relapse does not automatically result in eviction. Members who relapse are referred to detox or other inpatient facilities. They are encouraged to return once they test negative for substances.
- Support for Exiting Members: Members leaving or discharged from the program are considered Alumni. They offered assistance in accessing housing and other support services. We encourage Alumni to continue participating in Soberhomes' weekly meetings and community event, as well as providing peer support to new occupants.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Our success is measured not just by abstinence but by helping participants achieve permanent housing, employment, and other stability outcomes. We track:
- Housing Maintenance Rates
- Average Length of Stay
- Exits to Stable Housing
- Income and Employment Stability
- Sobriety Rates
Compliance with State and Local Regulations
SoberHomes abides by state and local landlord-tenant laws governing grounds for eviction. We utilize "License Agreements" rather than traditional lease to better support our recovery housing model.
Partnership Opportunities
We invite local agencies and partners to collaborate with us in providing essential recovery housing services. By working together, we can ensure that individuals in recovery receive the support and resources they need to achieve lasting success.
For more information on partnering with SoberHomes, please contact David at drparpart@welvida.com.