Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR)?
MARR is an affiliate member of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). NARR is the national group that authorizes state affiliates (MARR) to inspect and certify recovery residences using the standards they have established. As part of its mission, MARR seeks to:
Ensure accessibility to high quality and ethical housing
Provide organizational support and resources to house operators
Help operators comply with national quality standards and code of ethics
Promote awareness among the public about the need for, and effectiveness of, residential recovery housing
Why was MARR formed?
In 2016, MARR was founded when a small group of Maine operators became concerned about the rapid growth of “sober houses” cropping up with no specific guidelines, published ethical standards or outside oversight. It has been known for decades that people needing medical treatment for substance use disorder often suffer with intense physical and mental anguish during medically managed withdrawal and subsequent treatment. Many are not equipped to immediately return to work, school or even their home environment.
Studies have shown many benefits from a longer-term supportive environment such as that offered by a recovery residence. These issues are addressed with the collective support and understanding of a group of like-minded people seeking to recover together through doing daily activities, house assignments, chores, working on their internal resources and seeking external resources to aid in their success, such as obtaining gainful employment and repairing damaged relationships.
What “Pathways” to recovery does MARR support?
MARR recovery residences support a wide variety of recovery pathways that offer a rich and fulfilling opportunity for growth. We endorse recovery environments embodied in the Code of Ethics of the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR - view HERE) and NARR’s companion operational Standards 3.0 (View HERE).
What is the certification process and why is it important?
The MARR certification process requires the operator of a recovery residence to first apply for membership to MARR. Then the residence is inspected by experienced members of our Membership and Compliance Committee to ascertain if the operator conforms to the current certification requirements of the national organization (NARR). The operator must also produce other documents related to city inspections and lease requirements. [View the membership application HERE – INSERT LINK]
How long does it take to get certified?
It takes anywhere between one and two months. It depends on the readiness of the residence upon application. Typically, if a residence is ready to be inspected immediately it should take no longer than one month from application to certification!
How long is the certification valid?
The certification is valid for 1 year. Residences are inspected annually, on their renewal date.
How much does it cost to become certified?
The application fee for MARR membership is $50, applicable to the annual membership fee of $250 plus $1/bed. Additional residences cost $100 plus $1/bed annually.
Does MARR check/inspect certified houses to see if they are maintaining standards?
While MARR conducts annual inspections, we can and do perform unannounced visits in certain situations. For example, if repeated public complaints have been received or an annual inspection reveals significant compliance issues, random inspections may be held. If a resident files a complaint, this may also result in additional inspection activity.
How does a resident make a complaint against the operator or manager of a MARR certified residence?
All MARR-certified recovery residences are required to post the contact information of the MARR Grievance Facilitator to address any grievances a resident may have. The Grievance Facilitator is a trained, independent volunteer who serves as a mediator between a grievance and the residence operator or manager. Residents can and do contact us to resolve grievances and other problems. MARR helps to address issues related to ethical conduct.
Any member of the public may contact MARR to express any concerns about a member residence - here’s a link to the form.
Are there laws in Maine that recovery residences must follow? Is licensing or certification required?
There is no requirement in Maine for a recovery residence to be licensed or to be certified. MARR certification is voluntary. In the past few years, several laws have been passed that do affect recovery residence operations. For example, it is required that any residence (certified or not) must maintain two doses of the overdose-reversing drug, naloxone (Narcan), on every floor of a residence with a bedroom.
MARR-certified residences are permitted to abide by fire code regulations like any other single-family home. MARR inspections are strict when it comes to fire safety equipment, such as working smoke alarms in every bedroom, fire extinguishers on every floor, fire exits, and working carbon monoxide alarms.
Effective July 1, 2022, if a recovery residence receives government housing support of any kind, it must attain MARR-certification. General Assistance housing support to an individual is limited to 30 days only without certification.
Why are MARR-certified recovery residences good for a neighborhood?
MARR-certified recovery residences adhere to a strict policy of being “good neighbors in good neighborhoods.” Residents actively work to enhance the local community, complete community service projects, and maintain a quiet, well-kept place.
Law enforcement officials have a low incidence of problems with recovery residences and have actively supported their operations in many municipalities, including Portland.
People living in a recovery residence often become neighborhood assets and a value to the community.
What is day-to-day living like in a recovery residence?
Life in a recovery residence is much like anyone living with a family. This environment provides a safe, supportive, drug and alcohol-free environment and accountability to support each other. Resident’s work, volunteer, or go to school while also balancing recovery-oriented activities.
They are responsible for household chores and attending a weekly house meeting. At the house meeting, weekly activities are reviewed, concerns are discussed, goals are set, chores are assigned etc. Typically, the average stay at a recovery residence in Maine is above 6 months, depending on the resident's progress.
What does MARR want the public to know about how a recovery residence is a benefit to the local community and society?
Recovery residences attract people who are serious about their recovery, interested in helping each other and those around them, and giving back
Residents volunteer, work and/or go to school
Many residents receive job-skill training
Residents become an asset to the community and a vital resource for employers facing a shortage of workers
Recovery Residences provide low-cost housing in urban areas
Recovery Residences reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness and all the secondary benefits associated with this.
Recovery Residences provide an opportunity for a person to expand the resources and capabilities they need for productive sober living in the community.
Where does MARR get its funding?
MARR is a non-profit that receives funding from a variety of sources. When first founded, MARR operated solely on a self-funded basis (membership fees). As the organization grew, federal funds became available via SOR grants (State Opioid Response) with a small contribution from the Maine General Fund. MARR also receives philanthropic support from community organizations, charitable foundations, and public donations.