3.I.27.b. Housing choice

Rule

Residents have a voice in determining with whom they live.

Levels

This rule may apply to all levels. See standard 2.I.27.

Guidance

“Functionally equivalent family” is a term used to describe a group of unrelated individuals living together as a family. Recovery housing that establishes a functionally equivalent family upholds the characteristics of a single family household and therefore have the right to be sited in single family neighborhoods. This rule speaks to an element that can be used to establish that a group of individuals is operating as a functionally equivalent family.

NARR’s use of the phrase “a voice in determining with whom they live” speaks to housing choice, meaning residents should have the right to self agency and a living environment that supports their recovery goals. This can be accomplished in many ways. The most literal example is allowing residents the opportunity to interview applicants and democratically vote on who moves in and out. A more implicit example is the recovery home clearly markets and upholds it’s definition of recovery, priority population and services it offers. This allows applicants to choose a living environment that is right for them all be it for person who share alcohol and illicit drug free recovery goals, for a specific gender and/or for persons undergoing medication assisted treatment.

Evaluation

Do residents have a voice in determining with whom they live and/or otherwise empowered in their housing choice?

Evidence

Evidence for upholding this rule should be documented in the organization’s public profile and marketing, the resident packet and the leadership manual.

Resources