Oxford House - Makaio

Oxford House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that operates a network of over 3,500 self-run, self-supported recovery homes across the United States and beyond, providing a community-based, supportive, and sober living environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Originating when residents of a closing halfway house in Maryland took over the property to continue their recovery democratically, Oxford House emphasizes recovery, responsibility, and replication through its evidence-based model, which has been studied extensively and shown to yield high long-term sobriety rates—over 80% for residents completing a year in the program—compared to usual care.

Each Oxford House is a rented, gender-specific residence housing at least six members who democratically elect officers for six-month terms, share equal expenses (EES), and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs, with immediate expulsion for violations to protect the group's sobriety.

There is no outside authority, time limit on stays (average about one year, but many remain longer), or professional management; instead, members handle all responsibilities, fostering self-efficacy, leadership, and peer support while encouraging active participation in AA/NA.

The model extends through chapters, state associations, and the World Council, with Oxford House, Inc. providing charters, technical assistance, and resources like manuals to ensure adherence to nine core traditions that prioritize autonomy, financial self-sufficiency, and non-professionalism.

Targeting recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, including those with co-occurring disorders, veterans, women with children, and special populations, Oxford House promotes long-term recovery by allowing residents to maintain employment and family ties in a stable, affordable setting that treats the whole person and prevents relapse through mutual accountability and community integration.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Oxford House - Makaio provides a unique, step-down sober living environment emphasizing long-term stability. Unlike halfway houses with strict discharge dates, residents can utilize this aftercare support for as long as they need, with the average stay lasting about a year to firmly establish recovery.

Sober Living Aftercare Support

Therapies

Rather than relying on clinical therapies or professional counselors, Oxford House operates as a strictly non-professional, peer-supported environment. Healing here is rooted in mutual accountability, active participation in 12-step programs, and the shared responsibility of democratic living.

Addictions

This home is strictly built for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction who are committed to a completely substance-free life. To protect the entire group's recovery, the community enforces a zero-tolerance policy where any return to drug or alcohol use results in immediate expulsion.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

Treating the whole person under a community-based model, this location supports adults managing substance use disorder. The peer-led environment also accommodates individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses, provided they can safely manage their conditions while participating in the house's democratic responsibilities.

Issues

The Oxford House model directly tackles the loneliness in recovery that often leads to relapse by fostering a built-in sober social network. For individuals facing housing insecurity, criminal justice issues, or job loss, the home provides an affordable, stable foundation where members can secure employment without the threat of losing their housing.

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

Programs

Guided by its nine core traditions, Oxford House - Makaio functions as a peer-led, recovery community model built entirely on participatory democracy. While technically independent, the house is heavily 12-step informed, with members frequently hosting informal meetings in the living room before attending local AA or NA groups.

Abstinence Oriented Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model Extended Care (90+ days) 12-Step Informed

On-site

Amenities

Operating out of an ordinary single-family home in South Bend, the residence features shared bedrooms to prevent isolation and encourage daily socialization among housemates. There is no outside housekeeping staff; instead, residents share all household chores and maintenance tasks to build self-efficacy and responsibility.

Shared Rooms Housekeeping

Coverage

Payment

Financial self-sufficiency is a pillar of the community, relying entirely on self-payment rather than insurance. Members divide the monthly rent, utilities, and household staples equally through an Equal Expense Share (EES) system, keeping the cost of sober living highly affordable while teaching budgeting and financial responsibility.

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

Eligibility

Who We Serve

The South Bend community relies on Oxford House - Makaio to provide gender-separate housing for adults deeply committed to lasting sobriety. The broader network frequently accommodates special populations, including veterans and individuals needing deaf and hearing-impaired services, creating a diverse but unified cohort of peers taking ownership of their recovery journey.

Genders Accepted

MenWomen

Additional Services

The infrastructure here relies heavily on peer support, both from current housemates and an active alumni program. Former residents who leave in good standing are encouraged to stay connected as associate members, offering their lived experience and ongoing mentorship to newer housemates.

Alumni ProgramGender-Separate HousingHousing AssistancePeer Support

About

Facility Info

As part of a massive 501(c)(3) nonprofit network, Oxford House - Makaio blends seamlessly into its Indiana neighborhood as a standard rented home. The self-supporting setting gives residents a genuine community foothold, completely free from the institutional feel of a traditional rehabilitation center.

Credentials

Accreditations

While Oxford House avoids traditional clinical accreditations, their evidence-based model operates under a strict charter system monitored by Oxford House, Inc. This time-tested approach has been extensively studied by DePaul University and recognized by federal agencies like SAMHSA for its unmatched long-term sobriety outcomes.