Find recovery residence and sober living resources for Washington: the Health Care Authority's registry of recovery homes, WAQRR certification, the state referral rule, and organizations that serve Washington residents. Browse the guide below or choose your county.
Step by step
Washington does not license recovery residences, but since January 1, 2023, licensed or certified substance use disorder providers may refer people only to homes on the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry. To get on the registry, a home is certified by the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) or operates as a chartered Oxford House, and it must allow residents to take prescribed medication.
The steps most new operators follow to open a recovery house in Washington, in order. Each one links to the official form or rule behind it.
Washington has no state license for recovery residences. Since January 1, 2023, licensed or certified substance use disorder providers may refer people only to homes on the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry, so most homes that want referrals from treatment providers join it.
Local governments set their own zoning and occupancy rules for group living. Call the planning office before you sign a lease. The federal Fair Housing Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination protect people in recovery from housing discrimination.
Under RCW 41.05.760, a home gets on the HCA registry through Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) certification, or as a chartered Oxford House that meets peer-governance standards.
WAQRR reviews each required document against its Quality Standards and Code of Ethics. Document review is usually the most time-consuming part of the application, so prepare your house rules and policies first.
HCA says homes on its registry allow residents to use prescribed medication for physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Put that in your house policies.
Create a login on WAQRR's application site, estimate the level of care in each home, and upload your documents. After document review, WAQRR holds a phone interview and a site visit, and accreditation fees are paid at the site visit.
WAQRR-accredited homes are placed on the registry. If you have questions about inclusion, email the HCA recovery residence team.
WAQRR accredited residences go through annual reviews, including program and document reviews, site visits, and resident and staff interviews.
Free launch consult
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.
Request a free launch consultLicensing and certification
In Washington, a recovery residence needs no state license to operate. Under RCW 41.05.760 and RCW 71.24.660, the Health Care Authority (HCA) keeps a registry of recovery homes, and since January 1, 2023, licensed or certified substance use disorder treatment providers may refer clients only to homes on it. Registry listing comes through Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) certification or an Oxford House charter, and is otherwise voluntary. Local zoning rules apply either way.
State requirements, local requirements, and voluntary certification are labeled separately. Confirm how they apply to your home with the agency or qualified counsel.
Washington has no state license for recovery residences. Under RCW 71.24.660, starting January 1, 2023, licensed or certified substance use disorder service providers may refer people only to recovery homes on the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry. A home that does not take referrals from these providers is not required to be on the registry.
Under RCW 41.05.760, a recovery residence gets on the registry through certification by the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR), or as a chartered Oxford House that meets peer-governance standards. HCA says registry homes allow residents to use prescribed medication for physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Operators interested in being included can email the HCA recovery residence team.
The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and contracts with HCA to accredit recovery residences. Certification is voluntary unless you want registry referrals. It includes an online application with document review against the WAQRR Quality Standards, a phone interview, a site visit, and annual reviews. Fees are paid at the time of the site visit.
Cities and counties set their own zoning and occupancy rules for group living, so check with your local planning office before you sign a lease. The federal Fair Housing Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination protect people with disabilities, including people in recovery, from housing discrimination.
Recovery homes by county
273 WAQRR-certified recovery residences appear on public lists in 18 of Washington’s 39 counties (checked October 1, 2026).
Choose a county to see how many recovery houses appear on public licensing and certification lists, plus its Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO), 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 Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO).
List your home for freeRegional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Central Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Southwest Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Central Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Central Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
List a home in Grays Harbor County · Suggest a local resource
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
King County Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Southwest Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Central Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
List a home in Pend Oreille County · Suggest a local resource
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Pierce Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Southwest Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Spokane Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
List a home in Walla Walla County · Suggest a local resource
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
Regional behavioral health administrative services organization
Greater Columbia Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO)
Each Washington county belongs to one of 10 regional Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASOs), listed by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which run the regional 24/7 crisis line and manage state and federal block grant funds for substance use disorder treatment for people who are low income, uninsured or not eligible for Apple Health.
For residents and families
To find a recovery residence or Oxford House in Washington, search the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry of recovery homes, which lists homes that allow residents to take prescribed medication. The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) directory lists homes it certifies. For help with substance use, the Washington Recovery Help Line is open 24/7 at 866-789-1511.
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.
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) · Washington
HCA's searchable map of Level 1 and Level 2 recovery residences and Oxford Houses on the state registry. Filters let you search by type of home, and every listed home allows residents to use prescribed medication.
Checked by ARKHE
Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences · Washington
WAQRR's directory of recovery residences it certifies. Listed residences are certified each year to WAQRR's Quality Standards and Code of Ethics.
Checked by ARKHE
Oxford House, Inc. · United States
Search tool for open beds in Oxford Houses (self-run, self-supported recovery homes), filterable by state (including Washington), county, and house type, with an online application.
Oxford House, Inc. (301) 587-2916; toll-free (800) 689-6411
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Oxford House, Inc. · United States
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
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Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery · Washington
With money from the state budget, HCA funds contracted providers that give short-term housing help to people with a substance use disorder (diagnosed or self-attested). To qualify, a person must be unhoused or at risk of losing housing and have a household income at or below 50% of area median income. The money can pay rental and utility arrears, reasonable move-in costs, and security or utility deposits. Providers include non-profits and a tribe in the five most populous counties, plus the HOST, PATH and Peer Pathfinder outreach and peer programs. The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences and Oxford House are listed partners. People can be referred by treatment centers, jails, street outreach, tribes or behavioral health agencies, or can contact a provider themselves. Funding is set each state fiscal year, so check with HCA for current availability.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), Reentry Division · Washington
DOC rental vouchers pay up to $700 a month, for up to six months after release from prison, directly to the housing provider. Eligibility depends on the voucher type (for example, reaching the earned release date without an approvable address, or being at risk of homelessness at release), and it is not an entitlement. Clean and sober homes can become vendors: DOC does not sign contracts, but a Regional Housing Specialist gives an orientation and assesses the property before the program approves it.
DOC Headquarters (360) 725-8213
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Crisis Connections · Washington
Free, confidential 24/7 help line for anyone in Washington with substance use concerns, and for their family and friends. Staff connect callers to treatment, medication for opioid use disorder, and recovery support.
Call 866-789-1511 (24/7); text 9am-9pm
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Washington 211 · Washington
Free, confidential, multilingual helpline and online search connecting Washington residents to local services, including housing, food, health care, and mental health supports.
Dial 211; toll-free 1-877-211-9274
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Washington Healthplanfinder · Washington
How to apply for Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program, through Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is available year-round, and you can apply at any time.
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Washington Recovery Alliance · Washington
Statewide nonprofit led by and for people with lived experience of substance use and mental health challenges. It works on pro-recovery public policy, reducing stigma, and access to recovery resources.
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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services · Washington
DVR offers vocational counseling and employment services to people with disabilities who face substantial barriers to work. DVR has a waitlist for services under its Order of Selection; the page explains what that means.
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Funding
In Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) manages a small start-up loan fund for recovery residences, a separate start-up loan fund for Oxford Houses, and short-term housing vouchers for people with substance use disorders. The Department of Corrections (DOC) pays rent directly to approved housing providers, including clean and sober homes, for people leaving prison. Counties and larger cities also get their own shares of opioid settlement money, overseen by nine regional Opioid Abatement Councils, and recovery housing is one of the approved uses.
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.
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery · Washington
HCA used $500,000 in federal block grant money to set up a revolving loan fund for recovery residences. The fact sheet says level 2 recovery residences on the HCA registry, and residences working toward the standards to be listed, can use it. HCA's application form also requires borrowers to be part of a nonprofit organization and to house at least six people in recovery. Loans can cover start-up costs, the cost of becoming licensed and certified by the Department of Health, and putting medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) policies in place for homes already operating. The fact sheet doesn't say how to apply or how much money is left, so email HCA's behavioral health division for details.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) · Washington
HCA's application form for the recovery residence operating loan. You can request up to $4,000 and choose to repay it over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. Applicants must certify they are part of a nonprofit organization, with proof from the Washington Secretary of State. The house must have at least six people in recovery and allow medication-assisted treatment. It must be on the state registry or have a letter from the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) showing it is working toward being listed. The form also asks for a list of start-up expenses with costs, annual revenue and expenses, and lease or mortgage and operating cost estimates for the house.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery · Washington
Washington's Health Care Authority (Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery) runs the state's Oxford House revolving fund, which lends money to groups of people in recovery to open a new Oxford House. Start-up loans of up to $4,000 per house are approved by Oxford House, Inc. and repaid to the state's revolving fund over two years. HCA also contracts with Oxford House, Inc. for outreach staff who help open and keep up houses across the state.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Office of the Attorney General (hosted copy of the agreement among Washington municipalities) · Washington
This agreement sets how Washington's counties and cities divide and spend their share of the opioid settlements. Each participating county and its larger cities get a set share, and an Opioid Abatement Council in each of nine regions oversees spending. Its Exhibit A lists approved uses, including housing for people with opioid use disorder such as recovery housing. Each county or city that gets money sets its own way of taking proposals, so check with your county, your city and your regional council for funding opportunities.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
USDA Rural Development · Washington
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 Washington Rural Development state office first.
Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery · Washington
With money from the state budget, HCA funds contracted providers that give short-term housing help to people with a substance use disorder (diagnosed or self-attested). To qualify, a person must be unhoused or at risk of losing housing and have a household income at or below 50% of area median income. The money can pay rental and utility arrears, reasonable move-in costs, and security or utility deposits. Providers include non-profits and a tribe in the five most populous counties, plus the HOST, PATH and Peer Pathfinder outreach and peer programs. The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences and Oxford House are listed partners. People can be referred by treatment centers, jails, street outreach, tribes or behavioral health agencies, or can contact a provider themselves. Funding is set each state fiscal year, so check with HCA for current availability.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), Reentry Division · Washington
DOC rental vouchers pay up to $700 a month, for up to six months after release from prison, directly to the housing provider. Eligibility depends on the voucher type (for example, reaching the earned release date without an approvable address, or being at risk of homelessness at release), and it is not an entitlement. Clean and sober homes can become vendors: DOC does not sign contracts, but a Regional Housing Specialist gives an orientation and assesses the property before the program approves it.
DOC Headquarters (360) 725-8213
Checked by ARKHE
Official documents
Each entry shows who issued it, where it applies, and when we last checked the source.
Washington State Legislature · Washington
The state law behind the Health Care Authority's recovery residence registry. Registry listing requires certification by the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences or an Oxford House charter that meets peer-governance standards.
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Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) · Washington
HCA's page on recovery residences, the registry of recovery homes, and the referral rule in RCW 71.24.660. Operators who want their home on the registry email the HCA recovery residence team.
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Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences · Washington
Washington's affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), founded in 2017 by recovery residence operators. It certifies recovery residences to its Quality Standards and offers resources and training for operators.
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Washington State Legislature · Washington
The state law, created by Substitute House Bill 1528 (2019), that since January 1, 2023 lets licensed or certified substance use disorder providers refer people only to recovery homes on the Health Care Authority registry.
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Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences · Washington
Explains WAQRR's accreditation steps: online application and document review against the WAQRR Quality Standards, a phone interview, a site visit, and committee approval, with annual reviews after that. Accreditation fees are paid at the time of the site visit.
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Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences · Washington
WAQRR's online application. You create a login so you can save your work, estimate the level of care in each home, and upload the required documents.
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Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) · Washington
Washington's civil rights agency explains housing discrimination under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, which covers disability, and how to file a complaint through its online portal within the time limit.
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U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division · United States
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
HUD's page for reporting housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act.
Checked by ARKHE
Resources for operators
Practical ARKHE guides that pair with the official sources in this guide.
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.
Book a demo →Whether you’re opening your first house or trying to fill the ones you have, tell us where you are and we’ll point you to the right next step.
Get help with your home →Common questions
No. Washington has no state license for recovery residences or sober living homes. Since January 1, 2023, though, licensed or certified substance use disorder providers may refer people only to homes on the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) registry. Local zoning rules apply either way.
Under RCW 41.05.760, a home qualifies through certification by the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR), or as a chartered Oxford House that meets peer-governance standards. Registry homes must allow residents to take prescribed medication. The Health Care Authority's recovery residence team answers questions at [email protected].
You apply online and upload your documents, which WAQRR reviews against its Quality Standards. Then WAQRR holds a phone interview and a site visit, and its Certification Committee approves the home. Accreditation fees are paid at the time of the site visit, and accredited homes are reviewed every year.
To be on the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry, yes. HCA says registry homes allow residents to use prescribed medication for physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
The federal Fair Housing Act bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude group homes for people with disabilities, which includes people in recovery, but homes still follow neutral local rules. Complaints can go to the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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.
Search the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) registry of recovery homes, which maps Level 1 and Level 2 recovery residences and Oxford Houses. The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) directory lists homes it certifies, and Oxford House's vacancy site shows open beds in Oxford Houses.
Homes on the Health Care Authority (HCA) registry allow residents to use prescribed medication for physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), taken as directed by a licensed prescriber. Ask any home not on the registry about its policy before you move in.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) describes recovery residences as safe, healthy, family-like, substance-free homes that support people in recovery from substance use disorder, centered on peer support and connection to services. Substance-free does not rule out prescribed medication taken as directed. Recovery residences and Oxford Houses on HCA's registry are peer-run.
The Washington Recovery Help Line is free and confidential, open 24/7 at 866-789-1511, with texting from 9am to 9pm. Staff connect callers to treatment, medication for opioid use disorder, and recovery support. Washington 211 connects people to other local services, and Apple Health, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applications year-round through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Ask about costs and what they include, house rules, whether prescribed medication is allowed, and whether the home is on the Health Care Authority registry or certified by the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR).
Sources and review
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.
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Listing your home is free and separate from ARKHE software. How submissions are reviewed