How to Open a Recovery Home
Great question! There’s a wide range of personalities and backgrounds that successfully run recovery homes. Sober living owners/operators begin their journey with a dream to open a business and build a better world. While some VSL Chartered Operators join us with established homes, most are new to the sober living field and opened their very first home with our guidance and support. At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we recognize that everyone has a unique story and perspective. We’ve identified a variety of personas that represent the diverse motivations behind those who join us on this journey:
Frustrated Humanitarian: Passionate about helping others but discouraged by bureaucracy in the recovery field.
Social Entrepreneur: A visionary looking to make a difference while building a sustainable and community-focused business.
Retirement Planner: Transitioning into a meaningful-but-lightweight second career, eager to contribute to their community.
Midlife Professional: Seeking a purpose-driven and growth-oriented career change to make a lasting impact.
Why partner with Vanderburgh Sober Living?
No matter which category you fall into, together, we can create a powerful impact in our communities through recovery housing. Operators only need to be called to serve those in recovery and don’t need any special training or formal education to open a sober home. VSL’s training and operator development services cover all aspects of establishing and leading your recovery home. We come alongside you and your mission to bring you up to speed quickly so you can build a successful business and make an impact in your community.
No prior experience is required. Vanderburgh Sober Living provides all the training and tools you need to successfully open and operate a sober living home. From certification and operational training to technology and business development, we cover all the details so you can focus on making a positive impact in your community.
Join a supportive team of professionals in our field who share your passion for helping others. Learn from experienced operators and support staff and benefit from a network of resources, including real estate guidance, legal support, and funding assistance.
VSL Chartered Operators access a wide range of resources tailored to those who operate recovery housing. From real estate support and financial planning to legal and accounting services, we help you overcome challenges and grow your business and your impact.
We received an inquiry from Robert Brinson in August 2024, sharing his vision to open a sober living home rooted in his experiences with prison ministry and a profound commitment to the recovery community. During our first conversations, we were moved by his dedication and determination to provide support for those impacted by addiction. Robert, who had spent years in ministry and healthcare, had witnessed the devastating effects of addiction and felt called to help break the cycle of recidivism he saw among those struggling with substance abuse. However, despite his passion and experience in ministry, Robert expressed concerns about the logistics of opening a sober living home. He was uncertain about securing funding, finding a suitable property, and navigating the complexities of running a new business in recovery support.
We guided Robert through our support services, helping him secure funding, find a property, and manage operations. Within months, he launched Champion Sober House in Brockton, Massachusetts. Since opening, Champion Sober House has quickly become a trusted community resource, offering life skills training, job readiness workshops, and a supportive environment for recovering men and helping guests rebuild their lives and gain lasting independence.
Take the Step & Transform Lives!
We believe in the power of community and the impact that recovery housing can have on individuals’ lives. Becoming a Chartered Operator means you are not just running a home—you’re creating a space where hope is restored and lasting recovery is supported. If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to lead with integrity and care, we invite you to take that next step. Join our community and gain access to unparalleled resources to start changing lives today.
Be part of something bigger. Your journey to building a lasting legacy of recovery and transformation starts here!
