Oxford House - Brynlyn

Oxford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides self-run, self-supported recovery homes for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, founded in 1975 when residents of a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, took over the property to continue their sobriety journey. With a mission centered on Recovery, Responsibility, and Replication, Oxford House offers a community-based, supportive, and sober living environment where members democratically manage their households, sharing responsibilities and expenses without external authority or time limits, as long as they remain drug- and alcohol-free, non-disruptive, and pay their equal share. The model emphasizes long-term residency—averaging about a year but often extending to several years—fostering leadership, self-efficacy, and peer support, complemented by active participation in AA or NA meetings, and has proven highly effective, with research from DePaul University showing over 80% long-term sobriety rates, reduced substance use, criminal involvement, and improved employment outcomes compared to usual care. Serving diverse populations including men, women, veterans, those with co-occurring mental health issues, and special groups like women with children or Native Americans, Oxford House operates over 3,500 gender-specific houses across 47 states and internationally in Canada, Australia, and Ghana, expanding through charters, technical assistance, and a network of chapters and associations to ensure accessible, evidence-based housing that helps thousands achieve and maintain sobriety while rebuilding responsible lives.