Oxford House - Virago

Oxford House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that pioneered the concept of self-run, self-supported, and democratically governed sober living homes for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction. Originating from a group of residents who took over a closing halfway house in Montgomery County, Maryland, to avoid relapse and foster long-term sobriety, Oxford House has grown to over 3,500 houses across 47 states, housing more than 24,000 residents annually, with a proven track record of success evidenced by studies showing 80% sobriety rates after one year. The organization's core philosophy emphasizes recovery through responsibility and replication, providing affordable, community-based environments where residents share expenses (typically $125-$250 weekly), elect officers for six-month terms, and enforce strict rules of 100% drug and alcohol abstinence, immediate expulsion for violations, and no external authority or time limits on stays—allowing members to remain as long as they maintain sobriety and contribute equitably. Oxford Houses are gender-specific, autonomous yet interconnected through chapters, associations, and the national body, encouraging active participation in AA/NA while promoting leadership, self-efficacy, and peer support to reintegrate individuals—many with histories of homelessness, incarceration, or co-occurring mental health issues—into productive lives, serving diverse populations including veterans, women with children, and those from special communities like deaf or Native American groups.