Oxford House - Amersyn

Oxford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pioneered the self-run, self-supported recovery home model in 1975, providing community-based, supportive, and sober living environments for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Founded when residents of a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, took over the property to continue their recovery, Oxford House emphasizes democratic self-governance, financial self-sufficiency, and a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, allowing members to stay as long as needed without time limits, provided they remain sober, non-disruptive, and contribute equally to expenses. With over 3,500 houses across 47 states housing more than 24,000 residents annually, the model fosters responsibility, replication, and long-term sobriety through peer support, shared household duties, and elected officers serving six-month terms to prevent hierarchy. Evidence-based research, including studies by DePaul University and endorsements from SAMHSA, demonstrates unmatched outcomes: residents achieve significantly lower substance use (31.3% vs. 64.8% relapse), higher employment income ($989 vs. $440 monthly), and reduced incarceration (3% vs. 9%) compared to usual care. Oxford House serves diverse populations, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, veterans, women with children, and special groups like LGBTQ+ or deaf individuals, while expanding nationwide through technical assistance, charters, and community partnerships to replicate this proven approach that empowers recovery, builds self-efficacy, and promotes responsible living.