Thank you to everyone who turned out for the Community Conversation on Tuesday night at the Kilton Library, to hear more about Recovery Housing. About 30 people attended in-person, and another 7 joined online. It was a really productive conversation.
One of our Housing First members took notes on the questions that were asked by the audience, which we’re sharing here to add more context and clarity around recovery housing.
Q: What are the components of certified recovery housing (as opposed to non-certified)?
The New Hampshire Partnership for Recovery Residences (NHPRR) certification process involves ensuring that the physical space of the recovery residence is in compliance with state and local zoning and fire regulations; includes an appropriate number of bedrooms/bathrooms/square footage; has a sprinkler system as required by law. NHPRR inspects all legal and business documents, including house policies, such as structure, rules, curfews, neighbor relations, vehicle parking, etc. NHPRR reviews training plans for house leaders, including minimum training requirements.
Q: Is there an ongoing certification process once a recovery house is already established?
Yes, there is a yearly recertification process.
Q: How long can residents stay in a recovery house?
Duration of stay is resident driven. For example, one resident has opted to stay for several years and became the house leader because that was a good environment for that resident.
Q: What if a neighbor or resident has an issue at the residence?
In addition to the certification process, NHPRR offers complaint/grievance resolution process.
Q: If the recovery residence is struggling financially, does NHPRR have funding to bail out the residence or the organization that runs it?
No, it does not. However, residents of certified recovery residences can take advantage of state funding through NH Doorway programs to pay their initial move-in costs at the residence.
Q: Are most recovery residences non-profits?
There is a mixture of for-profit and non-profit certified recovery residences, but the majority are for-profit. There are issues of non-profit structure (i.e., board of directors) and tax exemption that are prohibitive for houses to be non-profit.
Q: What are the differences between the two certifying bodies?
New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR) aligns directly with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). NHPRR contracts with the State of NH and is NH-specific. NHPRR follows SAMHSA’s best practices for recovery residences. NHPRR requires that discharge happens on weekdays and during daytime hours when service providers are available. Some recovery residences seek dual certification. Only residents of NHPRR certified houses can receive state-based financial assistance for move-in expenses.
Q: If the zoning amendment passes, what kind of financial support might the City offer?
There is a public health needs assessment taking place right now, which will be presented to the Lebanon City Council. It will be up to the Council how they want to direct social services funds. Right now, funding is provided to a variety of local service providers; the needs assessment will likely inform how those funds are allocated in the future. While it has been rumored that the Police Chief and Fire Chief were not consulted on this zoning amendment, they were and are on board because the recovery housing structure would be likely to reduce call volume to emergency services.
Q: Will recovery houses in Lebanon collaborate with each other via regular meetings of providers?
That’s a great suggestion. There is no known collaborative effort in Claremont, but collaboration can be encouraged in Lebanon.