Oxford House - Eden-Coe

Oxford House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that provides peer-run, self-sustaining, and substance-free housing for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

Originating when a group of residents in a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, took over the property and established the first Oxford House, the organization has grown to over 3,500 self-governed homes across 47 states, housing more than 24,000 residents at any time, with hundreds of thousands having benefited over nearly 50 years.

The Oxford House Model offers a community-based, supportive, and sober living environment where residents democratically elect officers for six-month terms, share equal expenses and responsibilities, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, ensuring immediate expulsion for violations to protect the group's sobriety.

Unlike traditional halfway houses, there are no time limits on stays—residents can remain as long as they stay clean, pay their share, and are not disruptive—promoting long-term recovery, responsibility, and replication through mutual support and expansion.

This evidence-based approach, validated by extensive research from DePaul University and recognized by SAMHSA, yields unmatched outcomes: over 80% sobriety rates after one year, reduced substance use and incarceration, and improved employment and income 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 remaining non-professional, autonomous, and financially self-supporting, unaffiliated with AA or NA but encouraging active participation for sustained recovery.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

The Oxford House peer-run model provides long-term sober living and aftercare support without the strict time limits found in traditional halfway houses. Residents can stay as long as they remain completely substance-free, pay their fair share of expenses, and actively participate in the local household.

Sober Living Aftercare Support

Therapies

As a self-governing, non-professional environment, the residence does not employ clinical staff or mandate specific therapies. Instead, residents are strongly encouraged to actively participate in community-based groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to sustain their personal growth.

Addictions

Oxford House - Eden-Coe serves individuals actively maintaining recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The model operates under an absolute zero-tolerance policy, meaning any resident who returns to active substance use is immediately expelled to protect the household's shared sobriety.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

While primarily focused on substance use disorder, the house is designed to support a wider recovery community. The peer-led environment successfully accommodates individuals managing a co-occurring mental illness, provided they can comfortably navigate their shared democratic responsibilities.

Issues

Residents here frequently work through the practical fallout of active addiction, including job loss, homelessness, and past criminal justice issues. The shared living structure helps individuals rebuild a strong sober social network and learn to manage daily obligations in a stable, peer-guided setting.

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

Programs

Built entirely on an evidence-based, peer-led recovery community model, the home operates as a functioning democracy where members elect house officers for six-month terms. This abstinence-oriented approach is supported by DePaul University research, which found an 80 percent long-term sobriety rate for participants.

Abstinence Oriented Evidence Based Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model

On-site

Amenities

Operating as an ordinary residential home in Bloomington, Indiana, the facility offers a comfortable and familiar shared living experience. Members typically sleep in shared rooms to prevent isolation and enjoy access to everyday home comforts like cable and satellite TV.

Shared Rooms Cable/Satellite TV

Coverage

Payment

Financial responsibility is a cornerstone of this housing framework, with all residents utilizing self-payment to cover their Equal Expense Share (EES). Every member pays the exact same weekly or monthly amount for rent, utilities, and basic household staples to ensure the home remains completely self-sustaining.

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

Eligibility

Who We Serve

Serving the local Bloomington community, Oxford House - Eden-Coe provides a supportive, gender-specific home environment for adults dedicated to lasting sobriety. The overarching network supports both men and women across various locations, welcoming a diverse population of recovering individuals into this egalitarian framework.

Age Groups

Adults (26-64)

Genders Accepted

MenWomen

Additional Services

The broader organizational network provides robust peer support and an active alumni program to keep individuals connected long after transitioning out. Prospective members can navigate a statewide vacancy locator to find immediate housing assistance and secure available beds in their area.

Alumni ProgramHousing AssistancePeer Support

About

Facility Info

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Oxford House - Eden-Coe operates as a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization structured entirely around democratic values. The everyday neighborhood setting helps members seamlessly reintegrate into the local community while leaning on their housemates for daily accountability.

Credentials

Accreditations

While intentionally distinct from licensed medical facilities, this model is widely respected as a highly effective, evidence-based practice. Their unique peer-run structure is actively recognized by SAMHSA and listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.