Types of Referral Sources for Recovery Homes
Building a Referral Base: A Guide for Sober House Operators
We categorize sober living referral sources into three tiers based on factors such as the volume of referrals, quality of preparation, and funding opportunities.
- Tier 1 consists of high-quality, high-volume opportunities with agencies whose clients are often the best fit for recovery housing. These include residential treatment programs and other structured environments where individuals receive comprehensive support over a reasonably long period of time, making them well-prepared for the transition into sober living.
- Tier 2 includes outpatient programs, detox centers, and corrections departments. These sources provide reliable referrals but often in lower volumes or with clients requiring additional preparation for the recovery home environment.
- Tier 3 referral sources, like churches, peer recovery centers, and recovery coaches, tend to offer lower volume or less ideal referrals, often requiring additional stabilization before individuals are ready for sober living.
This tier system helps operators prioritize their outreach and focus on building strong connections with the most impactful sources.
Explore sober living referral source types by tier
Tier 1: High-Quality, High-Volume Sober Living Referrals
These are the most valuable referral sources, sending well-prepared individuals who are ready to thrive in a sober living environment.
- Residential Programs & Halfway Houses
- Long-term programs (3-12 months) that provide extensive support and supervision.
- Residents are often stable, employed, and ready for independent sober living.
- Examples: State-funded programs, Salvation Army residential programs.
- Transitional Support Services (TSS) & Clinical Support Services (CSS)
- Shorter-term (30-90 days) clinical programs offering structured supervision.
- These referrals often come with a solid foundation for recovery.
- TSS and CSS programs provide a bridge between detox and sober living.
- Grant and Scholarship Funding Sources
- State agencies like MASH, CTARR, and RICARES offer funding to support residents.
- These referrals can ease the financial burden for both guests and operators.
Tier 2: Moderate Volume and Quality
Tier 2 sources offer reliable but less frequent or less thoroughly prepared referrals compared to Tier 1.
- Detox Centers
- 24-hour inpatient care focused on helping individuals detox safely.
- Referrals from detox centers may require additional stabilization before entering sober living.
- Corrections Departments & Re-Entry Programs
- Agencies that help individuals transitioning from incarceration.
- These referrals can include individuals on parole or completing a re-entry program.
- Outpatient Treatment Programs
- Individuals in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) often need sober living while continuing treatment.
Tier 3: Lower Volume or Suitability Challenges
These sources send fewer referrals, or their referrals may not always be ideal for sober living environments.
- Recovery Coaches and Counseling Agencies
- Recovery coaches attached to larger programs may refer individuals on a case-by-case basis.
- Peer Recovery Centers
- Community centers run by individuals in recovery, offering peer-led support.
- While lower in volume, these centers can refer individuals looking for local recovery housing.
- Faith-Based and Community Organizations
- Local organizations may refer individuals, though often with less structured support systems.
Strengthening Relationships with Referral Sources
Building and maintaining strong relationships with referral sources is essential for the long-term success of any recovery home. Operators should focus on consistent communication and providing feedback to referral agencies about how well their referrals are adjusting to the sober living environment. This not only helps build trust but also improves the quality of future referrals, as agencies can better understand what makes a good fit for the home.
Operators should also be proactive in their outreach efforts. For Tier 1 sources, regular check-ins and status updates on referred guests can reinforce the relationship. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 sources, targeted outreach efforts, such as attending local recovery events or offering educational workshops about the benefits of sober living, can help boost referral rates. Keeping in touch with correctional departments, detox centers, and outpatient programs, for example, ensures that VSL homes remain top-of-mind when they are making placement decisions.
Leveraging State-Level Resources and Support
State-level agencies like MASH (Massachusetts), CTARR (Connecticut), and RICARES (Rhode Island) provide certification and support for recovery homes, helping them maintain high standards. By working closely with these agencies, recovery homes can enhance their credibility and access valuable resources, including funding opportunities and connections to other referral sources. Being certified through these agencies not only attracts more referrals but also ensures that the home meets all state guidelines for safety and quality of care.
In addition to providing funding and referrals, these state agencies often offer training and resources that can help operators better understand their local recovery landscape. Participating in these programs can give recovery home operators valuable insights into how they can better serve their residents and improve their referral networks.
The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to collaborate with MASH, CTARR, and RICARES to support recovery housing operators across the country. As part of the largest network of NARR-affiliate certified recovery homes, Vanderburgh Sober Living is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety, support, and success in sober living environments. Our commitment to these standards ensures that guests referred from agencies across all tiers receive the care and structure they need for a successful recovery journey.
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If you’re looking for certified sober homes outside your area, visit our Sober House Directory to find homes nationwide.
Interested in opening your own sober house? Vanderburgh Communities offers the first charter program for sober living in the U.S.