Oxford House - Wallen
1536 E. 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205
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.
What we treat
Treatment & Programs
Levels of Care
At Oxford House - Wallen, the sole focus is peer-led sober living based on a time-tested model established in 1975. Members can stay in this supportive environment as long as they need, provided they remain entirely drug-free and pay their equal share. There are no arbitrary time limits, allowing individuals to progress safely at their own pace.
Therapies
Oxford House - Wallen operates entirely outside the clinical system and does not offer formal clinical therapies. Instead, residents are strongly encouraged to actively participate in local AA or NA meetings to build a foundation for comfortable sobriety.
Addictions
Residents at this Indianapolis home share a common goal of maintaining lifelong recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Adhering to a strict zero-tolerance policy, the community requires immediate expulsion for any return to substance use. This unwavering boundary protects the house and supports lasting sobriety.
Conditions
While primarily built for individuals overcoming substance use disorder, the home's open structure also accommodates members managing co-occurring mental health challenges. Organization research indicates that residents can effectively maintain required medication routines while actively participating in the sober community.
Issues
Living in a self-governed environment naturally helps residents tackle practical life challenges, from navigating unemployment to overcoming housing insecurity and criminal justice issues. Because the home is democratically run, members actively rebuild a sober social network while practicing personal responsibility. This shared accountability helps individuals rebuild their lives beyond just staying clean.
Programs
The guiding philosophy here is the widely recognized Oxford House Model, an entirely abstinence-oriented approach to peer-led community living. Acknowledged by SAMHSA as an evidence-based practice, this extended-care structure relies on egalitarian democracy and shared household duties. Long-running independent research shows this specific recovery community model yields an impressive 80 percent success rate.
On-site
Amenities
Designed to operate as a typical family residence, the house features shared rooms that combat early-recovery isolation and build peer connections. Members split domestic chores and enjoy standard comforts like cable television in their communal spaces. This shared domestic life creates a grounding, home-like environment in the heart of Indianapolis.
Coverage
Payment
Financial responsibility is a core pillar of the program, operating entirely on a straightforward self-payment model. Every resident contributes an "Equal Expense Share" (EES), which divides the total cost of rent, utilities, and household staples evenly among all active roommates. Because the home is strictly self-supporting, health insurance is not utilized to cover these daily living expenses.
Eligibility
Who We Serve
The Indianapolis location is built for diverse adults in recovery who are ready to embrace a self-governed, responsible lifestyle. While individual homes are always gender-specific, the overarching network is deeply inclusive, frequently expanding to serve military veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and specialized populations. Prospective members must simply demonstrate sincerity about their recovery and secure a majority approval vote during a house interview.
Age Groups
Populations Served
Additional Services
Guidance at this facility comes entirely from the community itself, rooted in extensive peer support and an active alumni program. When members eventually leave the residence in good standing, they are encouraged to stay connected and provide mentorship to newer residents. The larger local chapter network also offers ongoing fellowship and housing assistance resources.
About
Facility Info
Operating autonomously under a specialized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization charter, this residence integrates seamlessly into a local neighborhood. The Indianapolis, Indiana home functions just like any standard property, lacking external managers or institutional oversight. This normalized setting ensures members feel like responsible community citizens as they rebuild their lives.
Credentials
Accreditations
Rather than traditional clinical licensing, the residence operates under an official charter issued by Oxford House, Inc. Furthermore, the organization’s standardized framework is formally listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. This unique credentialing validates their self-run, peer-driven approach to maintaining long-term sobriety.
- 1536 E. 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205
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