Starting a shared housing business is not for the faint of heart—it’s for the bold, the compassionate, and the change-makers who want to make a real impact. If you’re here, you’re likely thinking about joining the ranks of those transforming lives through shared housing, whether for veterans, people in recovery, or individuals re-entering society. But before you dive into any course or buy into a “home study,” let’s talk about track records and what you should look for in a mentor or program.
Why Track Record Matters
In the nine years we’ve been successfully housing people, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial a proven model is. We’re proud to have helped hundreds of students across the U.S. replicate our system, leading to the opening of 300+ homes, housing thousands of people. These homes aren’t just a roof over someone’s head—they’re places of transformation, built to comply with evolving laws and accreditation standards.
Our success isn’t just anecdotal—it’s measurable. Among the individuals we’ve housed through partnerships with drug courts and re-entry programs, we’ve achieved an 88% success rate of no recidivism for people who stay in our program. Let’s put that in perspective: the national average recidivism rate for people incarcerated for drug-related felonies is a staggering 44% within the first year. That means our model cuts recidivism nearly in half, offering a clear, proven path to breaking the cycle of incarceration and addiction.
How to Vet a Recovery Housing Program
If you’re considering investing in a home study course or class, ask these questions first:
- Do They Have Real Experience?
Look for leaders who actively run recovery homes. Not just one or two homes—but multiple, accredited homes with diverse populations like veterans, people in MAT (medication-assisted treatment), or those re-entering from the justice system. Bonus points for proven success rates with programs like drug courts. - Can They Prove Results?
Ask about the success of their students and their residents. Have their methods been duplicated hundreds of times? Can they connect you with alumni or show you real-world examples of homes opened because of their program? Do they have measurable outcomes, like recidivism rates or housing retention statistics? - Are They Up-to-Date on Laws and Standards?
Laws around recovery housing are constantly changing. You need to learn from people who stay ahead of legal shifts, zoning rules, and best practices like NARR (National Alliance for Recovery Residences) accreditation. - Do They Offer Ongoing Support?
Setting up a home is just the beginning. The best programs offer ongoing education, live training, and resources to adapt to new challenges, like changes in accreditation or funding. - Is Their Model Replicable?
A great recovery housing program doesn’t just teach theory—it provides a step-by-step, replicable process that works in diverse communities.
Beware of Red Flags
The recovery housing field, unfortunately, has its share of pretenders. Be cautious of companies that:
- Lack a portfolio of homes or only run a single house.
- Can’t provide references or verifiable student successes.
- Make overblown promises without tangible proof of outcomes.
- Have no measurable metrics, like recidivism rates or program retention.
Why Choose Leaders with Experience
When you learn from experienced professionals, you’re not just getting a course—you’re gaining a proven roadmap. Our students know what it’s like to start with zero recovery housing knowledge and build something sustainable and impactful. They also learn the nuts and bolts of accreditation, funding, and management, so they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Most importantly, they build homes that change lives. Our partnership with drug courts, re-entry programs, and other transitional systems means that not only do residents have a chance to rebuild their lives, but they’re doing so successfully—at a rate that far outpaces national standards.
If you’re considering entering the world of shared recovery housing, take the time to vet your mentors. This isn’t just an investment in your business; it’s an investment in the lives you’ll impact. Choose leaders with the track record, the expertise, and the heart to guide you every step of the way.
We’re here to help you succeed. When you’re ready to learn, build, and grow, we’ll be ready to teach you.3
