Oxford House - Reflection Ridge

Oxford House is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that operates 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. Born from the initiative of residents who took over a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, to avoid relapse after limited stays in traditional facilities, Oxford House emphasizes recovery, responsibility, and replication through its evidence-based model, which has been recognized by the federal government and studied extensively, showing sobriety rates over 80% for long-term residents. Each Oxford House is a democratically governed, gender-specific shared residence with at least six beds, where members elect officers for six-month terms, share equal expenses, and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, with immediate expulsion for violations; there are no time limits on stays, allowing residents to remain as long as they maintain sobriety, pay their share, and avoid disruptive behavior. The model fosters leadership, self-efficacy, and reintegration by encouraging active participation in AA/NA, while Oxford House, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entity, issues no-cost charters, provides technical assistance, and supports expansion through field staff and chapters, serving diverse populations including those with co-occurring mental health issues, veterans, women with children, and special groups like LGBTQ+ or deaf individuals, all while promoting autonomy, financial self-sufficiency, and community integration without reliance on outside professionals or affiliations.