Sober Living Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most from residents, families and referral partners.

Still Have Questions?

Apply online in a few minutes or call intake at 774-239-7819.

About Sober Living

What is sober living?

Sober living is recovery housing: a shared, substance-free home where residents support each other and follow house rules. It bridges the gap between addiction treatment and living fully on your own.

Is The Willing House a treatment program?

No. We provide housing, structure and peer support, not clinical treatment. Residents who need treatment can attend an outpatient program nearby, such as Lake Avenue Recovery.

Who lives at The Willing House?

Men and women in recovery. Many residents come to us after completing an inpatient or residential program.

Is The Willing House certified?

Yes. We are certified by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH).

Living Here

Do you drug test?

Yes. Residents take part in random drug screening and daily breathalyzer testing. This keeps the home safe for everyone.

What are the house rules?

Every resident agrees to stay substance-free and follow house expectations. See the full list on our House Rules page.

How long can I stay?

Minimum commitment and typical length of stay

Can I work or go to school?

Yes. Building an independent life is the point of sober living, and residents are encouraged to work or study.

Can I have visitors?

Absolutely. We encourage residents to stay connected with the people who support their recovery. Visits follow our house visitor policy, which helps keep the home safe and comfortable for everyone.

Reach out to us at 774-239-7819

Do you allow medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

MAT policy.

Cost and Admissions

How much does sober living cost?

Our rates are straightforward, and we’re happy to go over them with you.

Call us at (774) 239-7819 and we’ll walk you through the weekly fee, let you know which beds are currently open, and talk about scholarship options that can help cover your first few weeks.

Cost shouldn’t be the reason someone puts off recovery, so let’s talk about what works for you

Does insurance cover sober living?

No. Health insurance covers clinical treatment like detox, residential, and outpatient programs, but it doesn’t cover housing.

The Willing House is an independent sober living home, not a treatment program, so residents pay a weekly fee, just like rent. Many residents keep using their insurance for outpatient care or therapy while they live here.

Call us at (774) 239-7819 for current rates, and ask about scholarships that can help with your first few weeks.

How do I apply?

Getting started is simple. Click the Apply Now button to fill out our short online application, or call our intake team at (774) 239-7819 if you’d rather talk it through. We’ll answer your questions, check bed availability, and help you take the next step toward a stable, sober home.

How soon can I move in?

If we have an open bed, you can usually move in right away. Beds open up week to week, so call intake at (774) 239-7819 to check availability, or click Apply Now and we’ll contact you for a phone screen.

Can a family member or counselor apply for someone?

A family member, case manager or clinician can call intake to ask questions. The resident completes the application.

What Residents Say About The Willing House

    
 
 
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   Alexis Gardner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Willing House has given me purpose and have had such an amazing experience through living here, I have gained friends through this house and not only friends but family! If you are looking for a place to call home and need help don’t hesitate to reach out! Proud to call this place home 💙
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   victor macharia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My sobriety journey is not complete without The Willing House, it has been an honor to walk this journey with them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Youwoulda Thought 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a really positive experience staying at Willing House. The house is clean, comfortable, well kept, and honestly a really good value for the price. It provides a solid environment for anyone who is serious about their recovery and wants a good place to stay.

I especially want to give a shoutout to the house manager, Arthur. He made the entire process of getting settled in and staying there very pleasant and easy. What stood out to me is that he genuinely cares about how you're doing and wants to see you succeed. He's approachable, respectful, and makes you feel like you're being treated as a person rather than just another resident.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Willing House to anyone looking for a clean, affordable, and supportive sober living environment. Having someone like Arthur running the house makes a huge difference.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nelson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First and foremost I would like to say that my stay at the willing house has been both amazing and a blessing, it has truly saved my life and has helped me immensely in my journey and road to recovery. I been treated fair, just and have met a great group of sober men and made some amazing friends. This house is safe happy and a mature environment. Sobriety is practiced daily and no man is left behind. I will definitely encourage sober men who are really ready to be sober and change there lives for the better to come to the willing house because honestly this place and stay have truly changed my life and I am thankful and grateful that I was accepted to this house.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kate Cascio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I absolutely love living at The Women's Willing House! I have lived here for 6 months so far, and after spending about a year in different recovery programs it is wonderful to finally be somewhere that feels like your home! The house is very large and roomy! It is set up and decorated like a home, not a program. The rooms are spacious and set up to make you feel comfortable. The kitchens are stocked with anything and everything that you could possibly need to cook. The bathrooms are even homey. There is a huge basement living room where everyone can hang out. The yard is beautiful and decorated and we have had a few cookouts so far this summer. The managers in the house have helped me more than every program I have been to put together. They are always there to listen with compassion and support and understanding! We have such an amazing community that genuinely cares about each other. The amount of recovery in this house has supported me and taught me in ways that I cannot put into words! The owners treat everyone with respect and dignity and support. They all (Owners, the director, and house managers) go above and beyond for this house of ladies. I honestly can't imagine my journey being anywhere else! It is an undescribable feeling to wake up happy to start your day and to go to sleep peacefully, feeling at home and completely safe! My life and my recovery journey would not be what it is today without this house and everyone that is part of the team that runs it! If you are looking to change your life for the better and genuinely have support with a comfortable, clean, safe place to work on yourself and your life The Willing House is the place you want to be!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Dulmaine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been at the willing house for just over a year. It doesn't have the same atmosphere as others I've visited  the management  truly care .about the house guest. Thomas D
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Wallace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hello My name is Michael Wallace. I wanted to take this opportunity to write about the willing house in Worcester Massachusetts. The willing house is a program for sober living. Since coming to the house I've had great opportunities. The staff have gone above and beyond with helping me. The surrounding area has great resources one only has to reach out and ask for help.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Daniels 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Willing house is a safe, functional sober living environment that allows people like myself a place to grow in my community while keeping me/us accountable with room checks, urinalysis and breathalyzer testing. The environment is friendly and clean.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patrick Eaton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing place. Provided me the environment I needed to move forward and succeed in my recovery. ❤️‍🩹