We’re uncovering exclusive insights from Jonathan Philpot, the program administrator at KRHN. Kentucky Recovery Housing Network is the state of Kentucky’s tool to become NARR certified. Jonathan shares essential knowledge and opens the door to understanding owning a sober home. In this post we’ll deep dive from prerequisites and hurdles to rewards of NARR Certification.
Understanding State Requirements for Sober Homes
It’s essential to be aware of your state’s requirements when opening a recovery house. In Kentucky, requirements vary depending on if your house offers billable services on site. As Jonathan Philpot explains; “If your residence will not be not have billable services on-site, there are no requirements”. He continues, “Due to the requirements of KRS 22 2.502 most recovery homes will need to get NARR certified”. Existing sober homes need to start the certification process by June 30th, 2024. Any new organizations need to become certified within six months of opening.
Words of Wisdom for Starting a Similar Program
Launching a state NARR affiliate? Jonathan’s advice is simple: “Ask for help!”.
“Most NARR affiliates are very willing to help or advice, and that is the most important resource”. he states, “We wouldn’t be where we are without advice and mentorship”.
Our expert suggests creating a clear plan with defined goals and timelines. Your plan should include staff, resource development, and regular collaborative meetings.
When it comes to recovery housing, Jonathan says the most critical question to ask is, “Why do you want to do it?”. Operating a recovery house isn’t a get rich quick scheme; it demands hard work and dedication. It can be rewarding for those passionate about recovery. But it’s essential to debunk that money comes easy. An example of this is relying on Medicaid or state funding. Instead, seek resources such as templates and technical help from KHRN. Perfection isn’t a prerequisite to start.
Challenges on the Road to Certification
The challenges you’ll encounter depend on where you’re beginning. It can be overwhelming to legitimize a business.
Jonathan states, “You will need to be a legal business entity registered in your state”. Most important, “you will need to be able to keep accurate financial records, provide receipts, and handle resident information”. Recovery homes should be nurturing environments, not clinical ones.
He continues, “…larger providers tend to have trouble giving us the ‘little’ policies. If we ask for an emergency policy, we often get ‘big’ policy that all staff follow, regardless of setting. While we want to see those, what we want is the ‘little policy’. What happens in the house if there is an emergency? Do the residents know what to do in case of overdose? Burst pipe? Fire? Do they know where they meet and who they should call?”
The Benefits of NARR Affiliation
Being NARR certified grants recognition for meeting national quality standards. Potential residents trust NARR certified homes in Kentucky. They know they are clean, safe, ethical, and have a sense of community.
Affiliation fosters advocacy through collaboration. Certified operators share information and work together to enhance housing. Jonathan shares,
“Most recently we saw this with the work our advisory board did to educate and collaborate when new legislation was proposed“.
NARR certified residences can feature on FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org. A platform that allows operators to update their availability in real time. KHRN encourages everyone to join their mailing list and to feel welcomed. Their monthly calls include speakers, resident spotlights, and resource sahring. Join their mailing list at https://mailchi.mp/c701703c1d29/kentucky-recovery-housing-network-krhn
To learn more about the software that NARR certified organizations prefer, reach out to info@onestepsoftware.com