What is MASH?

The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH) is the state’s nonprofit certifying body for recovery residences. As the Minnesota affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH is dedicated to promoting high-quality, ethical, and recovery-focused housing across the state.

Founded in 2007 to give sober home operators a collective voice, MASH now plays a central role in building a stronger, more accountable recovery housing system in Minnesota.

We certify, support, and elevate recovery residences that meet national best practices — helping ensure residents have safe, supportive environments where long-term recovery can thrive.

Our Commitment

At MASH, we believe:

  • Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness.

  • Community collaboration makes recovery more equitable and accessible.

  • Recovery housing must reflect more than sobriety — it supports personal growth, accountability, and stability.

  • Certified homes align with research-backed standards and help improve outcomes for people in early recovery.

We monitor, evaluate, and promote standards that ensure recovery housing in Minnesota meets the highest level of quality, giving people timely access to the support they need — when they need it most.

What We Do

At MASH, we are committed to fostering a thriving recovery housing system across Minnesota. We achieve this by:

  • Accrediting Recovery Residences: We certify sober homes that meet the rigorous standards of MASH, ensuring they align with national best practices and provide high-quality, safe, and supportive living environments for individuals in recovery.

  • Promoting Ethical Practices: We hold certified homes to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that they operate with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to residents' well-being.

  • Providing Education & Training: MASH offers education, training, and resources on best practices for recovery residences, helping operators enhance their services and create environments where long-term recovery can thrive.

  • Supporting Community Collaboration: We actively promote recovery within the broader community, working to eliminate barriers to access and fostering an environment of inclusivity and support for individuals in recovery.

  • Ensuring Quality & Safety: Through our accreditation processes, we monitor and evaluate certified homes to maintain high standards of quality and safety. This ensures residents have access to the right support at the right time in a secure and stable environment.

By fulfilling these roles, MASH helps create the conditions where recovery housing can make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans in recovery, empowering individuals to grow, heal, and build stable futures.