City Puts Brakes on Sober Homes

The newly created national association representing sober homes doesn’t have to look far to find examples of why it feels the need to establish an advocacy presence. The group forming the National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR) learned this week that leaders of one California city are placing a moratorium on new sober homes, despite warnings that their action might place them at risk of a lawsuit.

A California recovery home operator reported to NARR leaders that city council members in San Rafael, which already houses several sober homes, have halted any further plans involving sober residences housing seven or more people. At a council meeting, virtually all of a group of 160 people in attendance voiced opposition to recovery homes’ presence in their city, for reasons related to property values and safety.

According to a sober home operator who attended the meeting, two residents said city leaders should ignore federal and state laws that protect people with disabilities, because it is local taxpayers’ views that matter.

Have sober homes become a presence in your community, and what has been the public’s and policymakers’ reception?