At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we are thrilled to spotlight one of our newest Chartered Operators, Matt Simard, and his incredible work at Hamlet Sober House for men in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. This home represents not only a fresh start for its guests but also Matt’s passion for providing a comfortable and supportive environment for those in recovery.
A Personal Journey of Hope and Growth
Matt’s journey to becoming a sober home Operator is rooted in his personal experience with addiction and recovery. Having struggled with drugs and alcohol for much of his life, Matt found his turning point in a sober house that offered him structure, accountability, and encouragement. With two years of sobriety under his belt and over a year of experience managing a sober house, Matt understands the unique challenges faced by individuals in early recovery. His passion for helping others stems from witnessing the transformative power of a supportive recovery environment.
“I want to provide others with the kind of structure and encouragement that helped me get my life back on track,” Matt shares. “Seeing the growth in guests from when they arrive to when they’re ready to move forward brings me a lot of joy and purpose.”
Hamlet Sober House: A Community of Support
Located in the heart of Woonsocket, Hamlet Sober House is already making an impact. The home is more than just a place to stay—it’s a community where guests can focus on rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with loved ones, and finding stability in their recovery journey. Matt emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of openness and mutual support among guests.
“Early recovery can be overwhelming. Many people come in having lost relationships, jobs, and a sense of direction,” Matt explains. “Hamlet Sober House is a place where those stresses can be set aside so guests can focus on growth.”
Matt shared with VSL during an interview in December 2024.
Building Connections and Strengthening the Community
Matt’s commitment extends beyond the walls of the Hamlet Sober House. He actively builds partnerships with local organizations and treatment programs provide guests with resources and opportunities to thrive. Matt ensures that everyone in his house has the tools they need to succeed.
In July, Hamlet Sober House hosted an open house event, welcoming community members, local treatment providers, and other sober home guests. This event was a celebration of recovery and a chance to showcase the positive impact the house is making in Woonsocket.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Matt envisions Hamlet Sober House as a vibrant hub for recovery, education, and community engagement. Plans are underway to host in-house meetings, invite speakers to share their experiences, and educate guests about crucial topics such as overdose prevention and addiction awareness.
While challenges like community stigma persist, Matt remains steadfast in his mission to show that sober living homes are a vital part of building stronger, healthier communities.
“We want people to see that we’re not just individuals in recovery but positive contributors to society,” Matt states.
