Oxford House - Harambe

8312 Charter Oak Drive, Indianpolis, IN 46206

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.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Offering long-term sober living solutions, Oxford House - Harambe provides a distinct step-down environment for individuals post-treatment. There are no arbitrary time limits placed on a resident's stay. As long as members remain completely abstinent, participate in community chores, and pay their equal share of expenses, they are incredibly welcome for ongoing aftercare support.

Sober Living Aftercare Support

Therapies

As an intentionally non-professional environment, Oxford House - Harambe does not employ clinical staff or utilize formal on-site therapies. Instead, residents rely on a time-tested peer-support framework and are strongly encouraged to actively participate in local AA or NA meetings. The organization views self-help and disciplined democracy as the primary vehicles for lasting change.

Addictions

This Indianapolis home is structurally designed for individuals recovering from both drug addiction and alcoholism. The peer-run community strictly enforces a 100% sober environment to protect the house's stability. Any resident who returns to using drugs or alcohol is immediately expelled to safeguard the collective recovery of the group.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

While primary substance use disorders are the focus, the environment also successfully accommodates individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. Their published guidelines emphasize that residents managing these diagnoses thrive here when they balance mental healthcare alongside comfortable daily sobriety.

Issues

The democratic structure is incredibly effective at helping residents rebuild their lives after facing job loss, homelessness, or criminal justice issues. By living and working together, members quickly build a vital sober social network that combats the dangerous isolation of early recovery. Longitudinal research notes that an impressive percentage of members successfully reintegrate into society and maintain employment after moving in.

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

Programs

Operations follow the strict, evidence-based Oxford House Model, which relies entirely on a peer-led, recovery community framework. Residents govern the house themselves through weekly parliamentary meetings, electing six officers to six-month terms. This abstinence-oriented approach fosters deep personal accountability without the need for an overarching house manager.

Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model Abstinence Oriented Evidence Based

On-site

Amenities

Set in a residential neighborhood, the house functions as a typical single-family home where members manage all housekeeping duties together. Bedrooms are purposefully designed as shared rooms to discourage isolation and instantly build camaraderie. Residents split the monthly costs, which easily covers rent, utilities, and basic comforts like cable television.

Cable/Satellite TV Housekeeping Shared Rooms

Coverage

Payment

To maintain total autonomy, the house operates strictly on a self-payment model, completely independent of outside funding or insurance constraints. Members divide all household costs evenly through the Equal Expense Share (EES) system. This affordable approach ensures that residents learn real-world financial responsibility while keeping their individual living expenses heavily subsidized by group living.

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

Eligibility

Who We Serve

The Indianapolis community provides critical housing for adults navigating the fragile transition out of primary residential care. While the national network serves both men and women across distinct gender-specific homes, they collectively embrace a diverse population that frequently includes veterans, parents, and those re-entering society. Every applicant is democratically interviewed and voted on by the current residents to ensure a safe, unified household.

Genders Accepted

Men Women

Additional Services

Beyond the daily peer accountability, departing residents are encouraged to transition into a robust alumni program. Former members frequently return to offer friendship, housing assistance guidance, and lived experience to the newest housemates. This ongoing community connection ensures that support extends long after an individual officially moves out.

Alumni ProgramHousing Assistance

About

Facility Info

Operated under the umbrella of a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Oxford House - Harambe integrates seamlessly into an ordinary Indiana neighborhood. The substance abuse recovery home is purposefully designed to blend in rather than look like a clinical institution. This local autonomy empowers residents to take genuine ownership of their space.

Credentials

Accreditations

Backed by decades of longitudinal research from DePaul University, this model is firmly recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based practice. Earning an official charter requires strict adherence to their national manual, proving the house maintains democratic procedures and total financial self-sufficiency.

Oxford House - Harambe