Oxford House - Amersyn

1041 Arrow Ave, Anderson, IN 46016

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.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Oxford House - Amersyn operates on a time-tested sober living model where recovery, responsibility, and replication meet. Rather than enforcing strict move-out dates, this Anderson community allows residents to stay as long as they need, provided they maintain their sobriety and pay their share of expenses. There is no outside house manager; instead, the home relies entirely on democratic self-governance to structure daily life.

Sober Living

Therapies

As a peer-run sober living environment, this location relies on group collaboration and shared responsibility rather than formal clinical therapies. Individuals seeking specific therapeutic modalities or psychiatric interventions should coordinate those services with outside medical providers while residing here.

Addictions

The cornerstone of this recovery model is a strict, zero-tolerance policy regarding both alcohol and drug addiction. Any member who returns to drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs is immediately expelled to protect the household's shared goals. This absolute commitment to a clean environment ensures that individuals overcoming severe chemical dependencies have a highly protected space to rebuild their lives.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

Built specifically for those in recovery from substance use disorder, the house provides a peer-driven sanctuary for long-term psychological and behavioral healing. Research from DePaul University shows that individuals utilizing the Oxford House communal living system experience significantly lower relapse rates compared to usual care. By fostering a high level of accountability, residents relearn healthy coping patterns to establish lasting stability.

Issues

The overarching framework naturally addresses life stressors like job loss and unemployment by fostering financial self-sufficiency and encouraging higher monthly incomes among its members. Recognizing that many in early recovery also navigate criminal justice issues—with network data showing a large percentage of residents having previously served jail time—the peer-led structure offers grounded, practical guidance. Ultimately, living alongside likeminded peers builds a vital sober social network that prevents the loneliness that so often leads to relapse.

Sober Social Network / Community Building Criminal Justice Issues Job Loss / Unemployment

Programs

Recognized on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the organization utilizes a highly successful peer-led recovery community model. Every house operates under an egalitarian democratic system where residents elect officers to six-month terms and vote on all major household decisions. This abstinence-oriented approach requires absolute dedication to sobriety, empowering members to take charge of their own recovery journey.

Abstinence Oriented Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model Evidence Based

On-site

Amenities

The residence functions as an ordinary single-family home where members share daily household responsibilities, including regular housekeeping and chores. Each member contributes to the monthly expenses which cover utilities and shared conveniences like cable or satellite TV. Bedrooms are inherently designed as shared rooms, giving newcomers an immediate roommate to discourage isolation and encourage natural socialization.

Shared Rooms Housekeeping Cable/Satellite TV

Coverage

Payment

Oxford House - Amersyn is entirely financially self-supporting, requiring all members to manage their housing through self-payment without reliance on outside authorities. Through the Equal Expense Share (EES) system, the total cost of rent, utilities, and basic staples is divided equally among all housemates. This democratized financial structure keeps weekly or monthly expenses highly affordable while teaching practical budgeting and financial responsibility.

Please contact the facility directly to verify insurance coverage and payment options. Many facilities offer free insurance verification.

Eligibility

Who We Serve

While the broader national network serves both men and women across its many chapters, each individual Oxford House strictly maintains a gender-specific living environment. By keeping houses structured this way, residents in Indiana and beyond can focus entirely on peer support without the added complexities of mixed-gender living. Prospective applicants are interviewed directly by the current housemates and must be voted in by an 80% majority to ensure a cohesive fit.

Genders Accepted

Men Women

Additional Services

Unmatched peer support is the bedrock of Oxford House - Amersyn, as residents rely entirely on one another to manage the home and uphold the rules. While the broader organization provides foundational housing assistance by chartering affordable community homes, the mutual aid extends well beyond move-out day. Members who leave in good standing are encouraged to join the active alumni program, offering friendship, guidance, and community representation to newer residents.

Alumni ProgramPeer SupportHousing Assistance

About

Facility Info

Located in Anderson, Indiana, this residence operates under the umbrella of a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding affordable recovery housing. The home blends seamlessly into its local neighborhood, functioning as a standard single-family residence rather than an institutional facility. This community-integrated setting provides a realistic, welcoming environment for members to transition back into everyday life.

Credentials

Accreditations

As a community-based housing model, this home holds an official charter confirming its adherence to democratic, self-supporting principles. Prospective residents can verify specific state oversight or local credentials directly with the organization.

Oxford House - Amersyn