Find recovery residence and sober living resources for Minnesota: the state operating standards every sober home must meet, voluntary certification from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), and organizations that serve the state. Browse the guide below or choose your county.
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Behavioral Health
State license
None, but every recovery residence must meet state operating standards and a resident bill of rights (Minn. Stat. 254B.211)
Voluntary certification
DHS certification at Level 1 (peer-run) or Level 2 (staff-managed); Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
Housing Support
For a recovery residence, a Housing Support agreement requires Level 2 DHS certification and a board and lodging license
Step by step
How to open a recovery house or sober living home in Minnesota
Minnesota has no permit to open a sober home, but every recovery residence must meet the operating standards and resident bill of rights in Minnesota Statutes 254B.211, certified or not. To open one, check local zoning, bring the house up to fire, occupancy and sanitation codes, write the required policies, keep an opiate antagonist on site, post the bill of rights, and decide whether to apply for voluntary certification from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
The steps most new operators follow to open a recovery house in Minnesota, in order. Each one links to the official form or rule behind it.
1
Check local zoning and occupancy
Local requirement
Call the city or county zoning office before you sign a lease. The federal Fair Housing Act protects people in recovery from discriminatory land-use decisions.
Bring the house up to code and set safety routines
State requirement
Every residence must meet occupancy, fire and sanitation codes. Write a safety policy with periodic checks of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and regular evacuation drills, and post emergency procedures with contacts for crisis services and 988.
Keep an opiate antagonist on site with posted instructions, and train staff to use it. Write a policy on access to and storage of prescribed medications, and allow FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions as prescribed.
Write resident rules, an abstinence policy, a search policy, a NARR-aligned code of ethics signed by owners, staff and volunteers, a resident governance description, anti-harassment procedures, staff qualifications, a fee schedule and refund policy, and a termination policy. Keep resident money separate from the operator's.
Give each resident the 12-point bill of rights, rules and grievance process at move-in, and post them in common areas with ombudsman and DHS complaint contacts. Record each resident's emergency contacts and notification preferences.
DHS certification is voluntary. Choose Level 1 (peer-run, no paid on-site staff) or Level 2 (staff-managed). Use DHS's checklist to gather your policies, proof of insurance, premises permission and background checks; DHS inspects on site before certifying, and certification lasts three years.
The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), certifies sober homes separately from DHS.
Hold a discharged resident's property and medications for at least 60 days. If certified, report changes that affect compliance to DHS within 15 days, keep a signed intake record for each resident, and expect an on-site review every three years.
Call the local zoning office about group living rules
Confirm the house meets occupancy, fire and sanitation codes
Schedule detector, extinguisher and evacuation drill checks
Post emergency procedures and crisis and 988 contacts
Keep an opiate antagonist on site and train staff
Write the required policies and code of ethics
Set up separate accounts for resident money
Post the resident bill of rights and grievance process
Record each resident's emergency contacts
Decide on DHS certification and Level 1 or Level 2
Gather insurance, background checks and premises permission
Plan a 60-day hold for discharged residents' belongings
Free launch consult
Opening your first house?
Talk it through with an operator for 30 minutes. We’ll go over your model, zoning, policies, and the license or certification you need, and you’ll leave with a clear next-step checklist.
In Minnesota, no license or permit is required to operate a recovery residence, but every residence must meet the state operating standards and resident bill of rights in Minnesota Statutes 254B.211, which took effect July 1, 2026. The similar older section 254B.181 also still applies until its repeal takes effect January 1, 2027. Since July 1, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers voluntary certification at Level 1 (peer-run) or Level 2 (staff-managed) under section 254B.213. The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), also certifies homes.
State requirements, local requirements, and voluntary certification are labeled separately. Confirm how they apply to your home with the agency or qualified counsel.
State requirement
Operating standards every Minnesota recovery residence must meet
Under Minnesota Statutes 254B.211, every recovery residence, certified or not, must meet occupancy, fire and sanitation codes; keep a safety policy with periodic checks of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, plus evacuation drills; post emergency procedures and contacts for crisis services and 988; keep an opiate antagonist on site with posted instructions and trained staff; and allow FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions as prescribed.
Every residence needs written resident rules (including prohibited items), an abstinence policy and drug-screening procedures if it screens, a search policy, a code of ethics aligned with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and signed by owners, staff and volunteers, a description of resident governance, anti-harassment procedures, staff qualifications, a fee schedule and refund policy, and a written termination policy. Resident money must be kept separate, and operators may not borrow from residents or buy from or sell to them. A discharged resident's property and medications must be held at least 60 days while the residence tries to reach their emergency contacts.
Every residence must give each resident the 12-point resident bill of rights, house rules and grievance process, post them in common areas with ombudsman and Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) complaint contacts, and record each resident's emergency contacts and notification preferences, including for an overdose death. Residences may not retaliate against residents who complain. Complaints about any recovery residence go to DHS.
Since July 1, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers voluntary certification under Minnesota Statutes 254B.213. Applicants submit the owner's permission if the property is leased, all policies and resident forms, proof of insurance ($2 million per occurrence liability, and $10,000 employee dishonesty coverage if handling client money) and background checks for the operator and staff. DHS inspects on site before certifying. Certification lasts three years, must be posted, and can't be transferred. Level 1 residences are peer-run with no paid on-site staff; Level 2 residences are staff-managed and must provide annual staff training, house meetings, peer support and documented referrals to community resources. To hold a Housing Support agreement with DHS, a recovery residence needs Level 2 certification and a board and lodging license from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Certified residences get an on-site review every three years and must allow unannounced access during investigations. They report changes that affect compliance within 15 days, can ask DHS to reconsider a correction order within 20 days, submit an interim plan within 30 days and have up to 180 days to fix a problem. On or before a resident's first day, they keep a signed record that the resident received the bill of rights, financial terms and refund policy, relapse and property policies, an emergency orientation and the house rules. DHS can issue correction orders and decertify a residence.
The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), runs its own certification for sober homes. It is separate from DHS certification.
Cities and counties set their own zoning and occupancy rules, so check with the local zoning office before you sign a lease. The federal Fair Housing Act protects people in recovery from discriminatory land-use decisions. Complaints can go to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Recovery houses and sober living by county in Minnesota
86 Minnesota Association of Sober Homes member homes appear on public lists in 12 of Minnesota’s 87 counties (checked October 1, 2026).
Choose a county to see how many recovery houses appear on public licensing and certification lists, plus its county human services agency, which can help with referrals and funding.
We show counts from public lists, not names or addresses. A home gets its own listing only when its operator asks for one, and the operator decides what it says: who the home serves, its licenses or certifications, and how to apply. The street address appears only if they want it to. Listing is free and doesn’t require ARKHE software.
Looking for a home now? Search the official lists linked above, or call your county’s county human services agency.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Clearwater County Public Health · Clearwater County, MN
Competitive opioid settlement grants, about $93,636 in total, for projects in Clearwater County during 2027. Addressing recovery and housing issues is one of the listed examples, and the work must fit the state settlement agreement's approved uses. Organizations starting or expanding services in the county can apply; the current round closes November 30, 2026.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Opioid settlement grants for projects that serve Waseca County residents. Nonprofit, for-profit and faith-based groups can apply. Recovery housing qualifies because it is one of the strategies listed in the state settlement agreement. Capital improvements can be covered, but general operating costs cannot. The current round opened October 15, 2026, and the county reviews applications each quarter. The first review window closes December 15, 2026. Applications may close early if the money runs out.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
Each Minnesota county is served by a county (or multi-county) human services agency, listed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps residents apply for Medical Assistance and the Behavioral Health Fund that pay for substance use disorder treatment, and can arrange comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination.
To find a sober home in Minnesota, start with the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), or Oxford House's vacancy search. FastTrackerMN shows real-time availability for mental health and substance use disorder care, and United Way 211 is a free 24/7 helpline at 800-543-7709. Minnesota Recovery Connection offers free peer recovery coaching.
Official directories for finding a licensed recovery house or sober living home, and programs that can help pay for a stay. Programs set their own eligibility, and funding or openings are never guaranteed. Contact each organization to confirm what it can offer.
Finding a recovery house or sober living home
Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH) · Minnesota
An association formed in 2007 to promote high-quality, community-based sober living residences. Its site has a directory and information on MASH certification.
Search tool for open beds in Oxford Houses (self-run, self-supported recovery homes), filterable by state (including Minnesota), county, and house type, with an online application.
Oxford House, Inc. (301) 587-2916; toll-free (800) 689-6411
Nonprofit that charters democratically run, self-supported Oxford House recovery homes, where residents split expenses equally and there is no house manager.
(301) 587-2916; (800) 689-6411
Checked by ARKHE
Help paying for sober living or a recovery house
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
This is the Housing Support law. It lets DHS sign agreements with board and lodging establishments that are licensed by the Department of Health and certified as recovery residences. It also sets who can have room and board paid: people who are aged, blind or have a disability and meet the income and asset limits, people in certain other public assistance categories, and, for up to about three months, people with no housing when they leave residential behavioral health treatment. The same three-month help covers people with a disability or in a qualifying category who have no housing on release from a Minnesota correctional facility. Eligibility is decided by the county, Tribal or multicounty social services agency, so ask your county human services office, or a certified residence that holds an agreement, about applying.
MNsure is Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace, where you can get an estimate of what coverage you may qualify for, set up an account to apply, and find a free in-person assister. It also links to DHS pages for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
651-539-2099; 855-366-7873
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Minnesota Department of Human Services · Minnesota
How to apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota's Medicaid program, with no monthly cost) or MinnesotaCare (low-cost coverage for people who don't qualify for Medical Assistance), plus free in-person help applying.
Minnesota's first recovery community organization, offering free one-on-one peer recovery coaching, help navigating treatment and housing, telephone recovery support and a searchable resource directory.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep a job through counseling, training and workplace accommodations. Call a local office, call the statewide numbers, or submit the online form and a counselor will contact you.
(651) 259-7366 or (800) 328-9095
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Funding
Recovery house grants and funding in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the state program that pays for recovery housing is Housing Support, which pays room and board for eligible low-income adults. Since July 1, 2026, recovery residences certified at level two by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and licensed as board and lodging establishments can hold a Housing Support agreement directly with DHS, while free-standing room and board paid by the Behavioral Health Fund ends December 31, 2026. Opioid settlement money is another source: counties and cities receive 75% of it, may spend it on recovery housing, and some give it out through county public health requests for proposals.
Grants and public programs that can pay operators or cover residents’ stays. Public funding often requires a state license or certification, and every program sets its own eligibility and timeline, so confirm details with the agency.
Grants and funding programs
Minnesota Management and Budget, Office of Addiction and Recovery (DHS Behavioral Health Administration presentation) · Minnesota
Housing Support is a state-funded program that pays room and board for low-income older adults and adults with disabilities, and it needs an eligible person, provider and place. Under a recent state law change, a recovery residence that has passed background studies, earned DHS level 2 (staff-managed) certification and holds a board and lodging license can apply for a Housing Support agreement. The presentation says these agreements start July 1, 2026, and that free-standing room and board, which the Behavioral Health Fund pays for people receiving substance use disorder services, ends December 31, 2026. The presentation lists DHS's recovery supports team as the contact.
Splits Minnesota's opioid settlement money 75% to participating counties and cities and 25% to the state. Spending must fit the approved uses in Exhibit A, which include recovery housing and recovery housing programs that allow FDA-approved medication for addiction treatment. Counties and cities can give grants or contracts to nonprofits and other groups, and where there is a local public health department, it leads the planning before the county board or city council approves spending, so start with your county public health department.
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Clearwater County Public Health · Clearwater County, MN
Competitive opioid settlement grants, about $93,636 in total, for projects in Clearwater County during 2027. Addressing recovery and housing issues is one of the listed examples, and the work must fit the state settlement agreement's approved uses. Organizations starting or expanding services in the county can apply; the current round closes November 30, 2026.
(218) 694-6581
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Horizon Public Health · Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties, MN
Horizon Public Health takes opioid settlement funding requests for five west-central counties, and recovery support and housing stability is one of its listed priorities. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based and community groups, and government entities can apply if they serve residents of the county where they are asking for funding, and each county board makes the final decision. Applications are not open right now; Horizon asks people to check back later.
Opioid settlement grants for projects that serve Waseca County residents. Nonprofit, for-profit and faith-based groups can apply. Recovery housing qualifies because it is one of the strategies listed in the state settlement agreement. Capital improvements can be covered, but general operating costs cannot. The current round opened October 15, 2026, and the county reviews applications each quarter. The first review window closes December 15, 2026. Applications may close early if the money runs out.
Low-interest loans and grants to buy, build, or improve essential facilities, including transitional housing, in rural areas of 20,000 people or fewer. Open to public bodies, community-based nonprofits and federally recognized tribes, not for-profit operators. Applications are accepted year round; contact the Minnesota Rural Development state office first.
Checked by ARKHE
Public payment and scholarships for residents’ stays
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
This is the Housing Support law. It lets DHS sign agreements with board and lodging establishments that are licensed by the Department of Health and certified as recovery residences. It also sets who can have room and board paid: people who are aged, blind or have a disability and meet the income and asset limits, people in certain other public assistance categories, and, for up to about three months, people with no housing when they leave residential behavioral health treatment. The same three-month help covers people with a disability or in a qualifying category who have no housing on release from a Minnesota correctional facility. Eligibility is decided by the county, Tribal or multicounty social services agency, so ask your county human services office, or a certified residence that holds an agreement, about applying.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Official documents
Minnesota recovery house forms, regulations, and agency pages
Each entry shows who issued it, where it applies, and when we last checked the source.
Operating requirements
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
The operating standards and resident bill of rights that apply to every Minnesota recovery residence, certified or not, covering safety, medications, discharge, resident finances, required policies and posting requirements.
Checked by ARKHE
Resident rights
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
What a certified residence must give each resident on or before the first day, including the bill of rights, financial terms, refund policy, services, relapse and property policies, and house rules, with a signed record.
Checked by ARKHE
Staffing and training
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
The requirements for Level 1 (peer-run, no paid on-site staff) and Level 2 (staff-managed) certified residences, including Level 2 staff training, house meetings, peer support and referrals.
Checked by ARKHE
Inspections and applications
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
The law setting up DHS's voluntary certification: what an application must include, insurance and background checks, the initial on-site inspection, and the three-year certificate.
Checked by ARKHE
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Minnesota
Rules for certified residences on on-site reviews every three years, investigations, change reports within 15 days, and correction orders and reconsideration.
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Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Behavioral Health Administration · Minnesota
DHS's checklist of the policies and documents operators submit for certification, each mapped to its statute section, including premises permission, proof of insurance, background checks, and the resident and operator attestation pages.
DOJ's overview of the federal Fair Housing Act, which bars disability discrimination in housing and bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude group homes for people with disabilities.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) · United States
How to report discrimination to Minnesota's civil rights agency, which investigates violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Report online or through the Discrimination Helpline; charges generally must be filed within one year.
Practical ARKHE guides that pair with the official sources in this guide.
Fill beds and stay inspection-ready
ARKHE is recovery housing software built by operators. It keeps inquiries, intake paperwork, rent, house routines, staff training, and incident records in one place, so you can find them when an inspector or funder asks.
Do I need a license to open a sober living home in Minnesota?
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No. Minnesota has no license or permit to operate a sober home. But every recovery residence must meet the state operating standards and resident bill of rights in Minnesota Statutes 254B.211, whether or not it is certified. Certification from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is voluntary.
What rules do all sober homes in Minnesota have to follow?
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Every residence must meet occupancy, fire and sanitation codes; keep an opiate antagonist on site; allow FDA-approved medications as prescribed; keep resident money separate; write required policies including rules, abstinence, search, code of ethics and termination; post the 12-point resident bill of rights; and hold a discharged resident's belongings for at least 60 days.
How does DHS recovery residence certification work in Minnesota?
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Since July 1, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers voluntary certification at Level 1 (peer-run) or Level 2 (staff-managed). Applicants submit their policies and resident forms, proof of insurance, premises permission and background checks, and DHS inspects on site. Certification lasts three years and can't be transferred.
What insurance does a certified recovery residence need in Minnesota?
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Certification requires liability insurance of $2 million per occurrence, plus $10,000 in employee dishonesty coverage if the residence handles client money.
Is MASH certification the same as DHS certification?
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No. The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), runs its own certification. DHS certification comes from the state. Both are voluntary, and the state operating standards apply either way.
How do I list my sober home in this guide for free?
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Request a free listing. You choose what it shows, such as who the home serves and its certifications. The street address is shown only if you want it to be. Listing never requires ARKHE software.
What rights do residents of Minnesota sober homes have?
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Every recovery residence must give residents a 12-point bill of rights, its rules and its grievance process, and post them in common areas with ombudsman and Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) contacts. Residences must allow FDA-approved medications as prescribed, keep residents' money separate, and may not retaliate against a resident who complains.
How do I find a sober home or recovery residence in Minnesota?
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The Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH) publishes a directory on its website, and Oxford House lists open beds in its self-run homes. United Way 211, at 800-543-7709, can point you to local services, and Minnesota Recovery Connection's peer recovery coaches can help you look for housing.
How do I complain about a sober home in Minnesota?
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Complaints about any recovery residence in Minnesota, certified or not, go to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Each residence must post DHS and ombudsman contact information in its common areas, along with its own grievance process.
What happens to my belongings if I have to leave a Minnesota sober home?
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The residence must hold a discharged resident's property and medications for at least 60 days and try to reach the resident's emergency contacts. Every residence must also have a written termination policy explaining how length of stay is set and the steps for asking a resident to leave.
Where can I find addiction treatment in Minnesota?
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FastTrackerMN is a free search tool showing real-time availability for mental health and substance use disorder care across Minnesota. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
Sources and review
How this Minnesota guide is sourced and reviewed
Last reviewed: . Each resource shows the date we last loaded its source.
Compiled by:ARKHE. Listing in this guide is free and never requires ARKHE software.
We include official agency pages, published regulations, and established statewide organizations. Each entry links to its source. Items we could not confirm from a primary source are left out until we can.
County home counts come from the public lists named above, on the dates shown. Closed homes are left out, and homes without a county on the list are placed by ZIP code.
Individual homes are listed only at the operator’s request, and the operator controls what the listing says. Licensing or certification status is shown only with a source and the date we checked it.
Operate a recovery home in Minnesota, or know a resource we should include? Submit your information or suggest an update to help us keep this guide useful and accurate.