Oxford House - Harambe

Oxford House, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pioneered and supports a network of over 3,500 self-run, self-supported recovery homes across the United States and internationally, providing community-based, supportive, and sober living environments 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 and established the first Oxford House under democratic principles, the model emphasizes Recovery, Responsibility, and Replication, allowing members to live together in gender-specific rented homes with no time limits, as long as they remain drug- and alcohol-free, pay their equal share of expenses, and are not disruptive. Each house operates autonomously yet follows a standardized, evidence-based system of operations detailed in the Oxford House Manual, fostering leadership, self-efficacy, and long-term sobriety through peer support, weekly democratic meetings, elected officers with six-month terms, and expulsion for relapse to protect the group's sobriety. Backed by extensive research from DePaul University and recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based practice, Oxford House serves diverse populations including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, veterans, women with children, and individuals post-treatment or detoxification, promoting active participation in AA/NA while remaining organizationally independent, with the philosophy that self-help, disciplined democracy, and financial self-support build the efficacy needed to avoid relapse and reintegrate into society productively.