Oxford House - Starr

Oxford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a network of over 3,500 self-run, self-supported sober living homes across the United States, providing community-based, supportive environments for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Founded in 1975 by Paul Molloy and other residents who took over a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, Oxford House emphasizes recovery, responsibility, and replication through its time-tested, evidence-based model, which has been recognized by the federal government and studied extensively, showing high success rates in maintaining long-term sobriety, with over 80% of residents remaining clean and sober. The organization serves men and women in gender-specific houses of at least six residents each, where members democratically elect officers for six-month terms, share equal expenses, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, with no outside authority or time limits on stays as long as members remain sober, non-disruptive, and pay their share. Oxford House, Inc. provides charters, technical assistance, and resources to foster expansion, while chapters and associations offer peer support, enabling recovering individuals to rebuild lives, gain employment, avoid incarceration, and support one another in achieving comfortable sobriety without relapse.