This assures integrity and correct application of the Oxford House system of operations as documented in the Oxford House Manual© and Oxford House Chapter Manual©. The applicant will call the contact person for each house they’re interested in to set up an interview. Alternatively, if they would like to send their application to all houses near them that have an opening, they can Apply Online. Each has a term limit of 6 months to further support a well functioning democratic environment.

Who Starts and Manages Oxford Houses?

Chapters are important links in making the democratic system of organization underlying Oxford House™ work. The Chapter is the place where all the members of the Oxford House family of individual houses help each other to stay on track and to remain effective. The Chapter is also the place where individuals expand their network of sober friends as Chapters host all kinds of social events that bring their community together. It provides quality control by organizing regional Houses into Chapters and by relying heavily upon the national network of mutual aid organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Anonymous groups.

I was really bummed out that the World Convention was postponed due to COVID. But I knew that there would be another opportunity.While residing in Oxford House I learned how to live with integrity, how to be self-sufficient, and how to be of service. With these tools under my belt, I was able to accomplish personal goals I had set for myself. I was able to get my driver’s license back, as well as get a new car. I learned how to budget money and separate the needs from the wants. I was able to rekindle family relationships and other personal relationships.

Support the Oxford House

Two weeks after that House meeting, I attended my first oxford house traditions chapter meeting. This was a learning experience in itself because I was unaware that Oxford House had operated on different levels. I was nominated as the Male Housing Services Chair for Chapter 1 and was voted in unanimously. I assisted in numerous house trainings, as well as well as in the interview process for new members. Even though having meetings and trainings via Zoom was a challenge, I never missed one and continued to offer my hand for support.

Q. What is an Oxford House Charter?

• The Oxford House model provides a unique, community-driven approach to sober living that emphasizes accountability, independence, and shared responsibility.
• Oxford House, Inc. will consider favorably a Charter application whether or not a loan is received from the State.
• I then got arrested for so many different things and I was court-ordered to 6 months in rehab.

There may also be a need to buy more “staples” such as flour, sugar, coffee, etc. when a House starts up. Failure to adhere to any of these three requirements would bring the entire Oxford House concept into question. Therefore, it is important that each Oxford House meet these minimum responsibilities in order for its charter to be continued. All Oxford Houses have been careful to avoid undo dependence on government or other outside funds. Every Oxford House member attributes his sobriety to Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Oxford House Model works.

I met so many people from so many different areas and the whole experience filled my heart with so much joy. I couldn’t wait to share the knowledge and experience with fellow members back home. During the convention, I was strongly encouraged LAST MINUTE to run for Oxford House World Council. I think the part that got me most was standing in front of almost 1800 Oxford House members from all over the country and seeking to qualify myself for a position I knew nothing about.

• Oxford House will not charter a house with fewer than six individuals because experience has shown that it takes at least six individuals to form an effective group.
• Beds are provided in each house as well as other necessary furniture.
• For example, the landlord and phone company may require a security deposit and, while furnishings are generally donated, members will often have to rent a truck in order to pick them up.
• First, all decisions would be made democratically, with a group vote.

Q. How long can one live in an Oxford House?

• A major part of the Oxford House philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility.
• 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.
• Then some life-changing events happened and I met drugs and alcohol and within a short period, Meth, cocaine and jail.
• I had no idea what accountability was until moving into an Oxford House.
• If I never would have found this and given a chance to be here, I would have died out there.

The Oxford House Model is the unique, time-tested system of operations; an evidence-based practice shown to bring significant results currently unmatched in the recovery space. Everything I have been through in life told me I am not someone who lives well with others but now I couldn’t imagine living another way. Now I am putting my life back together I have a relationship with friends and family and, most importantly, my children. In 1975, Oxford House leases were pathfinders in the landlord-tenant arena. Today, they have become the norm for the thirty-nine states and two hundred-nineteen cities in which Oxford House operates.

Any recovering alcoholic or drug addict can apply to get into any Oxford House by following a few simple steps. Mainly filling out an application and being interviewed by the existing members of the House. This model works best for individuals who have already completed treatment and are ready for a more independent yet supportive environment.

Funding for Oxford Houses is for administrative and programmatic development. There is no funding to support rent payments for consumers applying or living in an Oxford House. One of the greatest threats to the sobriety of a recovering alcoholic or drug addict is loneliness. At a time when we acquired a serious desire to stop drinking or using drugs, many of us had lost our families and friends because of our alcoholism and/or drug addiction.

Life Skills

In 2013, an Oxford House resident from NJ created oxfordvacancies.com. This system enables prospective members to find openings quickly and apply to houses. In 1987, the late Bill Spillane, Ph. D., who had retired from NIDA and was teaching at Catholic University School of Social Work in Washington, D.C. Followed up on each house application and tracked down the individuals who had moved out. The concept and the standardized, democratic, self-supported Oxford House system of operations itself are far more persuasive than any individual. Be honest and straight-forward when sharing Halfway house the Oxford House concept with others.

While both types of transitional housing support recovery, they differ significantly in their operational structures. Sober living homes often have designated management or staff to oversee operations and provide accountability. Oxford Houses, however, are entirely resident-run, with no external supervision. Each resident contributes to the household expenses, including rent and utilities. This collective approach ensures the home remains financially sustainable without relying on outside funding.