Recovery can be a challenging journey that requires a supportive environment, built to foster healing and growth. Because of this, recovery housing is a vital resource for those on the path to recovery. Also known as sober living homes or recovery residences, recovery housing offers an alcohol and drug-free living environment while providing essential peer support, access to treatment, and connections to community resources. With new, enhanced state regulation of recovery housing on the horizon, Zepf Center has once again proven itself ahead of the curve, earning its fifth consecutive certification from Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH). 

Recognizing the significance of recovery spaces, ORH, a state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), plays a pivotal role in setting and maintaining standards for recovery housing across Ohio. Certification from ORH verifies that high-quality care occurs in these residences and allows qualified programs to receive additional funding, community building, and quality improvement opportunities.

ORH uses a multifaceted approach to ensure these residences meet the expectations outlined by NARR. The most vital piece of this work is a rigorous peer review certification process, which examines recovery housing locations based on the level of care they provide and their adherence to NARR standards. Through this process, ORH empowers recovery housing operators with the necessary training, technical assistance, and tools to enhance their understanding and practice of maintaining high-quality recovery homes.

ORH certification, occurring every two years, includes an application, an interview, and a site visit. After the application is completed by Zepf Center’s team, ORH schedules a visit to the homes with a Peer Reviewer—usually a fellow recovery house operator. This site visit typically includes an interview and inspection of the home. Zepf Center’s most recent recertification helped refine its recovery housing policies, improve food management and storage, and ensure the ongoing cleanliness of resident rooms.

“[Zepf Center’s work with ORH] has helped provide the Recovery House with an operational framework and best practices,” said Zepf Center Senior Director of Residential Recovery Housing Branden Smith, MSW, LISW, LICDC. “It has also provided Zepf with data, trainings, and opportunities to network with other Recovery Housing operators.”

Recovery housing, although not a new concept, has gained increasing recognition over the past few years and has been more commonly used in the continuum of care for those facing substance use disorders. Historically, these residences have varied widely in structure and quality, with little to no required oversight. As focus shifts toward long-term recovery models and housing is acknowledged as a critical social determinant of health, the need for increased regulation and oversight has become even clearer.

“Humans are social and are influenced by the environment that they live, play, and work in,” said Director Smith. “Recovery Housing raises awareness of healthy behavior, allows people to recognize how their behavior impacts others, and provides a natural space for helping relationships.”

For organizations like Zepf Center, obtaining ORH certification represents a commitment to excellence and accountability in client care. By undergoing recertification every two years, Zepf Center ensures that its recovery housing facilities adhere to the highest standards of care and operation.  

As previously mentioned, the benefits of ORH certification go beyond compliance with regulations and standards. Certification validates Zepf Center’s commitment to quality care as well as the Sanctuary principle of Growth and Change. Certification also enhances its reputation among clients, funders, industry peers, and community partners. 

Looking ahead, the push for required recovery house certification reflects a wider recognition of the important role these spaces play in supporting people’s recovery journeys. The recent introduction of legislation such as Ohio House Bill 33 underscores the need for standardized regulation and oversight to ensure quality, consistent care is delivered across all recovery housing spaces. By requiring certification, policymakers aim to address concerns surrounding substandard accommodations and enhance accountability within the field.

“High-quality care at every stage of recovery is always our goal and recovery housing is an important part of that care,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “ORH Certification has been an invaluable resource for our program, and I am excited to see the positive impact these new regulations will have on clients, professionals, and recovery communities throughout Ohio.”

As standards of care evolve, safe, clean, and reliable recovery housing continues to be a vital part of the recovery journey. By establishing clear guidelines, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, certification efforts spearheaded by organizations like Ohio Recovery Housing and embraced by agencies like Zepf Center contribute to stronger and more effective resources for those seeking to rebuild their lives. 

For more information about recovery housing at Zepf Center, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/zepf-recovery-housing/.