Vanderburgh Sober Living

Vanderburgh Sober Living Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a 501(c)(3) membership organization supporting independent sober living and sober house operators.

VSL is a 501(c)(3) membership organization supporting sober living operators with a proven model, standards, and community—creating structured, recovery-focused homes for those seeking housing and those called to lead them. Through a structured model, defined standards, and ongoing support, VSL helps operators start, grow, and sustain recovery-focused homes. Our network of Chartered Operators prov

ides structured sober living environments designed to support accountability, stability, and long-term recovery. Homes are independently operated and united by shared principles, systems, and best practices. Organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, VSL exists to expand access to quality recovery housing by equipping operators with the tools, training, and community needed to serve residents effectively.

08/30/2026

Do you need an EIN to open a recovery residence?

Short answer: yes, eventually, but it doesn't have to hold up your operations.

An EIN is essential for opening a business bank account and handling other operational basics. But if you've filed a different way to get moving, you don't need to wait to start.

Watch the full breakdown for what operators need to know about getting set up the right way.

08/29/2026

Thinking about starting a sober living home as a nonprofit? It's more straightforward than most operators expect, but there's a key detail people often miss.

Forming a nonprofit corporation does not automatically make you a 501(c)(3). It's actually a two-step process, and understanding the difference matters for how you operate and how you're structured.

Watch the full breakdown and learn what every operator should know before starting a nonprofit recovery residence at https://hubs.ly/Q04sGhZ_0.

08/28/2026

How much do you need to start a sober home upfront?

The largest investment is accessing the right real estate. Once that's secured, budgeting around $10,000–$20,000 for setup can be enough for an average-sized home.

Planning with accurate information can make all the difference.

Watch the full breakdown and learn more about building a strong recovery residence at https://hubs.ly/Q04sGhB-0

08/27/2026

Why do we prefer the term "house mentor" over "house manager"? And why does the difference matter?

A mentor's role isn't to manage residents. It's to guide them.

In this clip, we talk about why your first house mentor pick is one of the most important and most difficult decisions you'll make as an operator, and how we help connect operators to mentors through our network.

Watch the full breakdown and learn more about building a strong recovery residence at https://hubs.ly/Q04sFP-b0

08/27/2026

📌 Every Friday at 2:00 PM ET — Recovery Housing Discovery Webinar

Thinking about opening a sober home, converting a property you already own, or investing in recovery housing? Join us live every Friday for a free one-hour session with operators who do this work every day.

What we cover:
• The step-by-step path to opening a recovery residence
• Certification and compliance requirements in your state
• Real numbers on startup costs and revenue
• Site selection and financing

Free, no obligation, and you leave knowing your next step. Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording.

Save your seat: https://www.vanderburghhouse.com/recovery-housing-discovery-webinar/

08/26/2026

General liability insurance is one of the most essential policies for any recovery residence operator, but what does it actually cover?

In this clip, we break down what general liability protects against: slip and falls, physical injuries on the property, and claims related to the day-to-day operation of your residence.

If you're operating a recovery residence, this is coverage you can't afford to skip.

Watch the full video and learn more about protecting your operation at https://hubs.ly/Q04sB3fX0

08/25/2026

You don't offer clinical services, so why do you need professional liability insurance?
Because someone can still claim you should have.
Watch the full breakdown.

08/24/2026

No $10,000 boot camp will hand you a formula for running a profitable recovery residence. This isn't a passive investment or a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes real work.

Watch the full breakdown.

Learn more about building a recovery residence that does both at https://hubs.ly/Q04sBhMN0.

08/23/2026

Why do so many people assume a for-profit recovery residence can't truly be about saving lives?

That's simply not true.

You can build strong communities, help people rebuild their lives, and run a sustainable, profitable business at the same time.

Learn more about building a recovery residence that does both at https://hubs.ly/Q04sDlKm0.

08/22/2026

Does your insurance agent know your property is being used as a recovery residence?

If not, your policy might not reflect what's actually happening there. And if a claim comes in, that gap can mean the difference between getting paid and getting denied.

Some operators go out of their way to underrepresent their property to get a cheaper policy. It might save money upfront, but it can cost everything when it matters most.

Watch the full breakdown and make sure your coverage actually protects you.

Address

Webster, MA

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