Change Lives ✧ Build Wealth
Access training, mentorship, and a complete system to start and operate profitable recovery housing
Field-tested resources for sober living operators. Our books, templates, and reference materials help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions—whether you’re just getting started or refining an operation.
Expert-led training to help you open a sober house correctly and operate it successfully. Choose the path that fits where you’re starting—supported by standards-aligned instruction, templates, and community.
Hands-on support for owners/operators who want experienced guidance. VSL works alongside you to plan, prepare, certify, and sustain your recovery home with structured deliverables and long-term operating infrastructure.
Waiting to bring your vision to life costs more than just money. Our team is ready to help you take the next step.
CONNECT WITH VSLIf you’re still exploring sober living or want to understand the model before committing, our books and resources are a great place to start. Learn at your pace and avoid common mistakes.
Step-by-step training, templates, and community support for people who want to open a sober house the right way. Choose the starting point that fits your situation.
Learn how to find the right property and open your first sober house.
Move from a vision to opening day with confidence.
Learn how to upfit existing property, open compliantly, and run it profitably.
Start quickly and operate profitably with proven systems.
Platform Services are VSL’s highest level of support for owners/operators who want direct partnership—planning, compliance guidance, certification support, and operating infrastructure for long-term success.
The right choice depends on how much support you want and how fast you want to move.
| Program Overview | Sober Living Academy |
Platform Services (VSL Charter) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Purpose | Training, templates, and tools to start and lead a profitable and impactful sober living home | A hands-on partnership to launch and operate a sober living home and become a VSL Chartered Operator. |
| Ideal Participant |
Builders who want to learn first and execute independently You learn → you figure it out → you implement |
Owners who want speed, certainty, and long-term success We plan → we guide → you launch → we support |
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VSL Charter Pathway (Brand + Referrals + Software + Network Access & Growth Engine) |
No
(However, as of 2026, tuition for Academy Programs can be credited towards Platform Services)
|
Yes — graduates become Chartered
Operate under the VSL brand with built-in credibility, national visibility, and direct access to VSL’s referral network,
systems, and operator support. Learn more
|
| Program Cost | ||
| Initial Investment |
$499–$1,199 Each program is priced separately. Learn more |
$20,000 Grant funding is available to offset the initial investment; subject to application approval. Payment plans are also available. See if you qualify for a support grant |
| Ongoing Costs | None | None until launch, then First Bed Fee |
| Program Details | ||
| Training | Learn the sober living model through selected courses | Yes — full access to all Academy training |
| Coaching | Weekly coaching focused on helping you get funded, get open, and operate effectively |
Yes — everything in Academy, plus
|
| Filling Beds & Maximizing Occupancy | Learn outreach strategies and referral development (RHL+108) | Yes — plus direct access to VSL’s national referral network and daily inbound referrals |
| NARR-Affiliate Certification | Learn the certification process and download a complete template document packet | Yes — full support for certification documents, inspections, and annual renewals |
| Legal, Zoning, & Risk (Can I Do This Here?) | Learn how to research and leverage your legal rights (RHL+107) | Yes — property-specific expert guidance to manage risk and reduce uncertainty |
| Financial Feasibility (Will This Make Money?) | Learn how to run the numbers and evaluate deals (RHL+102) | Yes — deal review + feasibility guidance + off-market opportunities |
| Fundraising Support | Limited guidance; ready-to-go forms & templates (program-dependent) | Yes — ongoing guidance; VSL as 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor (conditions apply) |
| Community Access | Yes — program-dependent | Yes — full access to all VSL communities |
| Long-Term Operating Infrastructure | No | Yes — provided with Charter Membership |
| Operating Tools & Systems | Access the tools you need to get started. | Includes everything in Academy, plus: |
| Build a Firm Foundation |
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| Fill Your Beds |
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| Operate Effectively |
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| Manage Administration |
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| Home Support | ||
| Where To Open a Home | Learn how to use area surveys to find and identify ideal locations for growth (RHL+102) | Yes — property-specific analysis to confirm viability before you commit (plus Neighborhood Scout report access) |
| Making the Right Deal | Learn how to find and evaluate the right property for sober living (RHL+102) | Yes — hands-on guidance evaluating and structuring the right deal |
| Zoning & Building Code | Learn how to research zoning, building code, and life safety requirements (RHL+103) | Yes — property-specific research and guidance before opening |
| Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodations | Learn about fair housing obligations and reasonable accommodations (RHL+103) | Yes — expert guidance and workflows to leverage legal protections |
