North Shore Massachusetts Looks to Sober Living to Help Recovering Addicts
From Homelessness to Hope: How a Sober House in Lynn Became a Recovery Success Story
Seven years ago, Matthew “Matty” Powers was homeless, addicted to heroin, and living out of his car. Today, he co-manages a thriving network of sober living homes helping dozens of men reclaim their lives.
What made the difference? A dream—and a desperate need for housing that truly supported recovery.
Building a Sober House from the Ground Up
Matty tried several halfway houses, only to be disappointed by operators more focused on collecting rent than helping residents stay clean. That’s when his brother, Stephen Powers, suggested they start their own sober home.
With no help from banks, the brothers maxed out credit cards and borrowed from family to buy a rundown, two-story home on Strawberry Avenue in Lynn, Massachusetts—a property once known for heroin use and drug activity.
“It was a mess,” said Matty. “We couldn’t even open the front door—someone was passed out against it.”
With the help of friends, the brothers renovated the property, transforming it into a safe, structured sober living environment. That first home became Chelsea’s House, named after a beloved neighborhood figure, Robert “Chelsea Bob” Hinckley.
Chelsea’s House: A Model for Ethical Sober Living
Today, Chelsea’s House operates four locations—three in Lynn and one in Chelsea—serving about 60 men ranging in age from 18 to 75. Most are on parole and rebuilding their lives after prison. Despite their backgrounds, they find dignity, support, and structure.
Residents pay $175 per week, which includes a furnished room, flat-screen TV, and access to support services. They’re required to attend support groups, stay substance-free, and undergo drug testing twice weekly.
“The idea was to create a sober home run by addicts, for addicts,” Stephen Powers explains. “We wanted to revolutionize the way things were done.”
The brothers acknowledge the challenges—residents relapse or stop paying rent—but they remain committed to helping everyone who walks through their doors.
“We get burned a lot,” Matty admits. “But we’ll do whatever we can to help.”
State Support and the Push for Certification
As Massachusetts faces a growing opioid crisis, state officials are recognizing the value of sober living homes like Chelsea’s House. In 2014, legislation encouraged sober homes to become voluntarily certified—ensuring they meet basic safety, health, and ethical standards.
Certified homes must undergo annual inspections and operator training. Only certified homes can accept referrals from state agencies like detox centers, drug courts, and correctional facilities.
“Sober homes play a vital role in the recovery continuum, but we must ensure they provide a clean, safe environment,” says Cheryl Kennedy-Perez, Director of Housing and Homeless Services for the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
To date, 25 sober homes have received certification, with another 60 in the pipeline. Homes that don’t certify by September will no longer be eligible for state referrals.
Ethical Sober Living Is the Future
The lack of regulation in some areas has led to abuses. In 2009, a Salem sober house was shut down after its operator was charged with identity fraud, theft, and drug possession.
“We’ve seen landlords cram dozens of men into filthy apartments,” said Stephen Powers. “The laws exist—they just need enforcement.”
Unfortunately, federal law often prevents states from shutting down negligent sober homes, since individuals with substance use disorders are protected under the Fair Housing Act.
A Call for Higher Standards and Community Trust
Operators like Matty and Stephen Powers believe that certification will improve transparency, protect residents, and reduce the stigma surrounding sober homes. Still, they worry about bureaucratic overreach.
“We operate good, clean houses,” Matty said. “But the government needs to strike a balance between oversight and letting us do what works.”
Others, like Richard Winant, president of the Massachusetts Association of Sober Housing, agree that the system is still a “work in progress.” He emphasizes the need for grievance processes and more certified homes to avoid backlog in state referrals.
“People hear ‘drug addicts and needles’ and panic,” Winant said. “But the reality is the opposite. These homes change lives.”
Rebuilding Lives, One Resident at a Time
Residents of Chelsea’s House form strong bonds, often staying for months or even years.
Dennis Gomez, a 32-year-old former inmate from Roxbury, credits the sober home with turning his life around after a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
“This place gave me something to live for,” Gomez said. “There’s a brotherhood here.”
Vanderburgh Sober Living: Advancing Ethical Sober Housing Nationwide
Vanderburgh Sober Living is proud to be one of the founding members of the national Sober House Directory—a trusted resource for finding safe, ethical sober living homes.
Our mission is to create recovery-focused communities that support long-term sobriety. Each of our homes is led by compassionate House Mentors who are committed to helping residents rebuild their lives free from drugs and alcohol.
Most of our homes are operated by independent Owner/Operators who are part of our national collaborative. Through Vanderburgh Sober Living’s Charter Program, we empower aspiring operators to open and manage their own certified sober living homes.
Start Your Own Sober Living Home
If you’ve dreamed of opening your own sober house, now is the time. Vanderburgh Sober Living offers mentorship, support, and certification guidance for new operators across the country.
👉 Learn more about becoming a Chartered Operator and start making a difference in your community today.
Sources
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Wade, Christian M., and Lilian Shapiro. The state turns to sober homes to help addicts recover. The Salem News. Link
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Massachusetts Fights to Get Money Back from Overdoses – Vanderburgh Sober Living