The primary mission of the Sober Living Network is to promote the establishment, successful management and growth of high quality sober living homes and other community-based recovery services. We envision the day when every recovering addict and alcoholic in need can avail themselves of these services. We are far from that situation today. Demand for quality sober housing far exceeds supply. That is particularly true for housing that is accessible to those of limited or modest means, and to traditionally underserved (and difficult-to-serve) populations.

The Sober Living Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit organization. We do not own, manage or have a financial interest in any sober living or other recovery facility. We act as a standard setting, instructional, informational, planning and organizational resource to local associations of independent sober living homes which meet our affiliation standards.

We seek to promote excellence in the management of sober living facilities. Our larger mission, however, is to promote individual recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and in that respect we serve the community at large.

History

The Network was founded in 1995 as an umbrella organization for small groups of independently operated sober living homes in the Los Angeles area. These groups formed to exchange information, to provide quality assurance and to establish professional standards for services to their residents and the community.

As the number and size of these groups has grown, they have been organized into larger, county-based organizations-the Sober Living Coalitions. Today, these groups represent 550 sober living homes in five Southern California counties. The functions of the Coalitions are described in more detail below. A listing of scheduled local Coalition and Chapter meetings also appears below.

Local Groups

In Southern California, operators of quality sober living homes have formed five county groups–the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego County Sober Living Coalitions. The L.A. County Coalition, due to its size, is organized as five local area chapters.

Coalitions and chapters meet on a regular basis (see below for current times, dates and places). Meetings are open to current and prospective members, and to interested members of the community.

Each Coalition has very similar membership criteria, codes of ethics and acceptance guidelines. The Coalition organizations administer the inspection programs that ensure each member home meets health, safety, cleanliness, management and ethical guidelines. Coalitions also administer dispute and grievance resolution programs, addressing complaints from residents, former residents and from the general public.Local coalition and chapter meetings are valuable opportunities for members to exchange information and to discuss regulatory and legislative developments that impact their operations.

Today

The Network staff is the repository of a great deal of expertise which forms the basis for training workshops on sober living management, available to the general public. The Network also serves as an information clearinghouse on matters of importance to various communities concerned with recovery. We are a resource in the regulatory and legislative arena as well, on matters from local zoning ordinances to statewide licensing and regulation. Staff and board members are often called upon to give testimony, meet with government officials and provide other assistance in the formation of public policy.

The Network is engaged in increasing the public's understanding of the need for quality sober living services, and the value of these services to the community at large. Sober living is both effective and cost-beneficial in helping people achieve long-term recovery, yet funding for sober living by health insurers, by state and local governments, and by social services agencies is virtually nonexistent. Achieving an increased public awareness and understanding of this value is a necessary step toward attracting the resources needed to provide quality sober living opportunities to all who need them.

The Network is also supportive of the revival of community-based recovery support services in addition to sober living homes. The Venice Recovery Center (VRC) was established and is supported by the Network. Day-to-day operations are managed by a volunteer board. Currently the VRC hosts over 30 recovery support activities each week.

Sober Living Network Sustaining Donor

Suggested donations are $35 annually to $1000 lifetime. Donations are welcome from individuals and businesses. These are individual donations to the Network and do not provide coalition membership privileges for sober living homes. All those who are supportive of community recovery support resources are welcome, and invited to join us.