Zero Tolerance Sober Living Partners With Vanderburgh Sober Living to Expand Recovery Housing in Taunton and New Bedford, MA
Three Zero Tolerance sober living homes in Taunton, Massachusetts, have officially partnered with Vanderburgh Sober Living to provide safe, structured, and affordable recovery housing for men and women in Taunton and New Bedford.
This partnership marks a new chapter in both organizations’ commitment to supporting individuals on their path to long-term sobriety through community-focused, abstinence-based housing.
Vanderburgh Sober Living Takes Over 42 Union Street in Taunton
In October 2022, Vanderburgh Sober Living assumed operations of the MASH Certified sober home located at 42 Union Street in Taunton, MA, bringing its nationally recognized recovery model to the South Coast region. For current homes and openings, see sober living in Taunton.
“We’re excited to join the New Bedford recovery community,” said Hunter Foote, Executive Director of Vanderburgh Sober Living. “Two of our first homes opened in Springfield in 2016, and now we are honored to serve the Taunton and New Bedford areas. It’s a privilege to support our residents and grow alongside these vibrant recovery communities.”
Zero Tolerance Home expressed full confidence in the future of this collaboration and its positive impact on local recovery housing.
Read more about 42 Union Street in VSL’s case study
What Residents Can Expect
At Vanderburgh Sober Living, residents live in structured, supportive homes where recovery is the priority. Each home fosters a peer-based, community environment where accountability, mutual respect, and personal growth are at the core of daily life.
Daily Life and House Rules in a Vanderburgh Sober Living Home
| What to expect | How it works in the home |
|---|---|
| Mandatory sobriety | All homes are abstinence-based and require residents to remain drug- and alcohol-free. |
| Active recovery | Residents attend meetings, work with sponsors, and engage in personal development. |
| Peer support | Each home is led by a house mentor, a compassionate leader who guides residents in daily routines and recovery milestones. |
| Rules and structure | Curfews, drug and alcohol screenings, and participation in house activities help residents stay focused on recovery. |
| Shared rooms | Most rooms are shared with peers to foster camaraderie and accountability. |
| Affordable housing | Weekly or monthly rent is required; health insurance is not accepted. |
About Vanderburgh Sober Living
Vanderburgh Sober Living was established to create recovery-focused communities where residents live in safe, structured environments that promote independence, healing, and accountability. Our homes are built on the belief that recovery is best achieved when residents are supported by peers and guided by caring leadership.
Through VSL, we offer Charters to independent sober living operators, empowering passionate individuals to operate their own recovery homes while receiving support, resources, and operational structure from Vanderburgh Sober Living.
If you’re inspired to open a sober home in your community, learn more about becoming a Chartered Operator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Living in Taunton, MA
What did the Zero Tolerance and Vanderburgh Sober Living partnership change in Taunton?
In 2022, three Zero Tolerance sober living homes in Taunton partnered with Vanderburgh Sober Living to serve men and women in Taunton and New Bedford. In October 2022, Vanderburgh Sober Living assumed operations of the MASH-certified home at 42 Union Street, bringing its structured, abstinence-based model to the South Coast.
What does MASH certification mean for a Massachusetts sober home?
Massachusetts runs a voluntary certification program for alcohol and drug free housing under Chapter 17, Section 18A of the General Laws, with MASH as the certifying body. Since September 2016, state agencies and their vendors may refer people only to certified sober homes, so certification signals that a home meets recognized standards.
What are the house rules in a Vanderburgh Sober Living home?
All homes are abstinence-based, and residents agree to stay drug- and alcohol-free. Residents attend recovery meetings, work with sponsors, follow curfews, take part in house activities, and accept drug and alcohol screenings. A house mentor leads each home and helps residents with daily routines and recovery milestones.
Does sober living in Taunton accept health insurance?
No. Sober living is recovery housing, not clinical treatment, so residents pay weekly or monthly rent rather than billing insurance. Most rooms are shared, which keeps costs affordable and builds camaraderie. Residents who need counseling or medical care typically receive it from outside providers while living in the home.
How do I find a sober home in Taunton or New Bedford?
Start by applying online to a Vanderburgh Sober Living home, which offers a call back within 24 hours. You can also search the Sober House Directory by city to compare certified homes, view photos, and contact operators directly, then ask each home about availability, house rules, and costs.
Find a Sober Home Near You
If you or a loved one is searching for recovery housing in Massachusetts, the Sober House Directory is the best place to start. It’s easy to search homes by city or state, view clear photographs, and contact operators directly.
Even if a Vanderburgh Sober Living home isn’t the right fit, this nationwide resource will help you find safe, supportive housing options quickly and easily.
Take the next step
Apply, browse homes, or search the national directory.
Apply onlineGet a call back within 24 hours.View VSL homesSee Chartered recovery homes and find the right fit.Search the national directoryCertified sober houses anywhere in the US.
Or call (844) 762-3747, weekdays 8a to 5p.
Research & Sources
- Foote, H. T. (2026). Vanderburgh Sober Living Operating Climate Index, 2026 edition. Vanderburgh Sober Living. https://www.vanderburghhouse.com/research/operating-climate-index-2026/
- Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. (2016, September 21). State agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. https://www.mass.gov/news/state-agencies-and-their-vendors-shall-only-be-able-to-refer-clients-to-certified-sober-homes
- Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. (n.d.). MASH: MA Alliance for Sober Housing. https://mashsoberhousing.org/
- Massachusetts General Laws ch. 17, § 18A. (n.d.). Voluntary training and accreditation program for operators of alcohol and drug free housing. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter17/Section18A
- National Alliance for Recovery Residences. (2018). NARR standard 3.0. https://narronline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NARR-Standard-3.0.pdf
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Best practices for recovery housing (Publication No. PEP23-10-00-002). https://library.samhsa.gov/product/best-practices-recovery-housing/pep23-10-00-002
