Oxford House - Wallen

Oxford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pioneered the self-run, self-supported model of sober living since 1975, providing community-based, supportive, and drug- and alcohol-free residences for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Founded by Paul Molloy and other residents who took over a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, the organization emphasizes Recovery, Responsibility, and Replication, enabling peers to live together democratically without time limits, external authority, or professional management, while sharing household responsibilities and expenses through an Equal Expense Share. With over 3,500 chartered houses across 47 states housing more than 24,000 residents annually, Oxford House fosters long-term sobriety—supported by extensive research from DePaul University showing over 80% of residents maintaining clean and sober lifestyles—through a structured network of chapters, state associations, and the World Council, encouraging active participation in AA/NA and accommodating diverse populations including those with co-occurring mental illnesses, veterans, women with children, and specialized groups like LGBTQ+ or deaf individuals. As an evidence-based practice recognized by SAMHSA and the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, Oxford House, Inc. issues no-cost charters, provides technical assistance for expansion, and promotes principles of autonomy, egalitarian democracy, and immediate expulsion for relapse to ensure a safe, rehabilitative environment that helps members rebuild lives, achieve employment, reduce incarceration, and sustain sobriety without relapse.