Oxford House - Orenda

3820 Rookwood Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Oxford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has pioneered a unique, evidence-based model of recovery housing since 1975, offering self-run, self-supported, and democratically governed sober living homes for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
Founded when a group of men in a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, took over the residence to continue their recovery, Oxford House emphasizes recovery, responsibility, and replication, providing community-based environments where residents share household responsibilities, pay equal expenses, and support one another in maintaining long-term sobriety without time limits or external authority.
The model, backed by extensive research including studies from DePaul University showing over 80% sobriety rates, serves diverse populations including those with co-occurring mental health issues, veterans, women with children, and formerly incarcerated individuals, fostering leadership, self-efficacy, and reintegration into society through a network of over 3,500 houses across 47 states and beyond, all operating under three core rules: self-run on a democratic basis, financially self-supporting, and 100% drug and alcohol-free.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Residents at Oxford House - Orenda manage their own recovery journey within a democratically self-run, self-supported sober living setting. Rather than functioning as a clinical treatment center, this Indianapolis home relies on an egalitarian peer model. Members can stay as long as they need, provided they remain drug and alcohol-free and pay their equal expense share.

Sober Living

Therapies

Since the home is a peer-run environment rather than a medical facility, residents do not receive in-house clinical therapies. Instead, they are encouraged to leverage outside professional help, 12-step meetings, or outpatient care as needed to maintain their continued sobriety.

Addictions

This shared residence is built specifically to support individuals recovering from active alcoholism and drug addiction. The model adheres strictly to a 100% sober environment to protect the household's shared goals. Any member who returns to using alcohol or illicit drugs is immediately expelled by a democratic vote.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

In addition to primary substance use disorder, the Oxford House model successfully supports individuals managing co-occurring mental illness. Their peer-run structure allows residents to maintain medication regimens while benefiting from the accountability of group living. The combination of self-help and disciplined democracy fosters an environment where true healing can occur.

Issues

Oxford House - Orenda provides a stable foundation for those overcoming chronic relapse, homelessness, or recent criminal justice issues. The model fundamentally relies on building a sober social network, ensuring residents never face early recovery alone. By actively sharing household duties, individuals rebuild their lives and navigate employment in a structured, judgment-free space.

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

Programs

The guiding philosophy of Oxford House - Orenda is an evidence-based, peer-led recovery community model backed by DePaul University research. The home operates as an abstinence-oriented environment, relying on household unity rather than outside managers. Decisions are made using parliamentary procedures and majority votes, giving every member an equal voice.

Abstinence Oriented Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model Evidence Based

On-site

Amenities

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oxford House - Orenda offers a comfortable, ordinary single-family home setting designed to prevent isolation. Residents typically share rooms, which helps newcomers learn or relearn vital socialization skills within a supportive community. House members also divide the responsibilities of daily living, from paying for cable TV to completing routine housekeeping chores.

Shared Rooms Cable/Satellite TV Housekeeping

Coverage

Payment

Financial independence is a central pillar, meaning this recovery home is entirely sustained through self-payment. Every resident pays an Equal Expense Share (EES) covering their portion of the rent, utilities, and staples. This egalitarian approach ensures the environment remains affordable without relying on traditional medical insurance.

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

Eligibility

Who We Serve

As part of a national network, this peer-led home serves adult men and women, though individual locations are always gender-specific. The model is highly effective for populations stepping down from residential treatment or returning from incarceration. By removing arbitrary time limits, the home welcomes anyone genuinely committed to sustained abstinence and shared responsibility.

Genders Accepted

Men Women

Additional Services

The infrastructure here goes far beyond that of a typical halfway house, offering housing assistance through a sustainable model that avoids arbitrary move-out dates. Once members are ready to transition out of the Indianapolis home, they are encouraged to join an active alumni program. Associate members frequently offer friendship, peer support, and ongoing guidance to newer residents.

Alumni ProgramPeer SupportHousing Assistance

About

Facility Info

Operating under a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this Indianapolis residence focuses heavily on affordable, democratically governed recovery housing. The home functions like an ordinary neighborhood residence while providing essential community support. The broader network also coordinates specific accommodations, including deaf and hearing-impaired services where possible.

Credentials

Accreditations

As a chartered member of Oxford House, Inc., the residence strictly follows the standardized system of operations outlined in official manuals. While peer-run homes do not hold traditional medical accreditations, the model itself is notably listed on the national registry of evidence-based programs.

Oxford House - Orenda