Oxford House - Aurora South

Oxford House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that provides peer-run, self-supporting, and substance-free recovery housing for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Originating from a group of residents who took over a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, Oxford House pioneered a democratic model where residents elect officers, share responsibilities, and enforce a strict no-drugs-or-alcohol policy, ensuring immediate expulsion for violations to protect the sobriety of all members. With no time limits on stays—averaging about a year but often longer—the model emphasizes long-term recovery, responsibility, and replication, now encompassing over 3,500 self-governed houses across 47 states and internationally, housing more than 24,000 individuals annually. This evidence-based approach, validated by extensive research including DePaul University studies showing 80% long-term sobriety rates, superior employment outcomes, and reduced criminal involvement compared to usual care, serves diverse populations including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, veterans, women with children, and special groups like the deaf or Native Americans, fostering leadership, self-efficacy, and community support while encouraging active participation in AA/NA for sustained recovery.