A Journey from Struggle to Strength
For Michael Schnopps, the path to recovery was far from linear. “I struggled for 15 years in active addiction, with some days not knowing if I’d ever get sober. I tried many times but without much luck. During this time, I died many times, sometimes hoping I would, but today I get to live, and I am ever so grateful for that,” Michael reflects.
His story of perseverance and transformation is now an inspiration for countless individuals seeking recovery in Portland and South Portland, Maine. Today, Michael is a dedicated operator of Vanderburgh Sober Living homes, helping others find the structure, community, and hope they need to rebuild their lives.
Finding Home at Vanderburgh Sober Living
“I was fearful that I would return to old behaviors… I had to take it minute by minute, I had to take every suggestion that was offered to me, I had to do everything different than I ever had before.”
Over time, Michael began to embrace the community and structure that surrounded him. “I wasn’t just sober. I was healing. And that moment marked the beginning of believing I could stay that way,” he shares. This pivotal realization became the foundation for his future as a sober living leader.
Why Sober Living Matters
Recovery rarely happens in isolation. Sober living homes bridge the gap between treatment and independent living by offering structure, accountability, and community. Residents find support in daily routines, house mentorship, and a safe environment that reinforces their commitment to sobriety. Research consistently shows that individuals who live in sober housing have higher long-term recovery rates compared to those who attempt to return directly to old environments. In many cases, sober living isn’t just housing—it’s the foundation for a sustainable new life.
Sober Living in Portland, Maine
In Maine, the need for structured recovery housing has grown as communities respond to the impact of substance use disorder. Portland and South Portland are at the forefront of building supportive networks for men and women in recovery. MARR Certified sober living homes, like those operated by Vanderburgh Sober Living, play a crucial role in this effort. They provide not only a roof and a bed but also a pathway back into the workforce, family relationships, and healthy community living. For many Mainers, these homes are the first step toward long-term stability and hope.
From Resident to Sober Living Operator
“Managing a sober house sparked something deeper, a purpose. I started to dream of running my own one day. And eventually, that dream became a reality.”
As an operator, Michael focuses on creating an environment built on accountability, compassion, and structure. “Recovery taught me that healing doesn’t happen through shame—it happens through support, structure, and honesty,” he explains. His approach prioritizes progress over perfection and encourages residents to embrace consistent, small steps toward lasting change.
View Michael’s Home in Portland — The Tranquility Sober House
Portland’s newest MARR-certified men’s sober living home, providing a safe and structured environment
for recovery. This supportive home offers accountability, peer connection, and access to Portland’s thriving
recovery community.
- Sober Living for Men
- Portland, Maine
- MARR Certified
Building a Legacy of Recovery in Portland, Maine
Today, Michael operates sober living homes in Portland and South Portland, Maine, continuing the mission of Vanderburgh Sober Living to provide safe, supportive, and structured recovery housing. He takes pride in watching men rebuild their lives.
“The most rewarding and one thing I’m the proudest of is the men in the home… Watching them come in just as broken as I was and starting to see the light shine throughout their eyes… Being able to witness such beautiful things is what I’m most proud of.”
Opening a Sober House in Maine: What It Takes
Starting a sober living home is both a calling and a responsibility. Beyond providing a safe place to live, operators step into a leadership role—setting house rules, fostering community, and ensuring accountability. It begins with securing a suitable property, then adapting it to meet certification and safety standards. From there, it’s about building a culture where residents support one another and commit to daily growth. For Michael, opening his first home meant long days of preparation, thoughtful planning, and the courage to lead. But it also meant giving others the chance to experience what once saved his own life: the structure and hope of sober living.
Expanding to South Portland
Michael’s dedication didn’t stop with Portland. He later opened two additional homes in South Portland, extending the reach of recovery housing in Southern Maine. Each house offers the same commitment to structure, compassion, and community, while serving men at different stages of rebuilding their lives. These homes stand as part of a growing network of safe recovery environments in Maine, where individuals can find both stability and a sense of belonging. For Michael, each new home is more than a property—it’s a chance to help another group of men rediscover dignity, healing, and purpose.
Inspiring Others to Take the First Step
“If I can go from dying to surviving, from dishonest to honest, to taking from others to literally giving anything to others, then so can you. We can recover one day at a time.”
For anyone considering opening a sober living home or becoming a sober living operator, Michael’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the life-changing impact of recovery housing.