The SHARE (Sober Housing for Addiction Recovery Environments) Loan Fund was established through Public Law 100-690, the Anti-drug Abuse Act of 1988, which established a nationwide program to encourage the creation of sober houses for women and men in recovery from chemical dependency. Each state had a $100,000 “revolving loan pool” to help start these homes. The SHARE Loan Fund provided interest free loans to groups of individuals who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction and who wanted to live in an environment free of alcohol and drugs.  Recipients could borrow up to $5,000 to help cover some of the initial costs associated with renting property.

Models of sober and drug free housing exist across the country.  These houses are self-supporting and are democratically managed by the residents. All residents support the requirement that each resident maintain her/his sobriety and evict any member who uses alcohol and other drugs.  Some houses elect officers to serve for six months and each house is required to have a sponsor with long-term sobriety.

Houses established by the SHARE Loan Fund played a vital role in the continuum of services for individuals in recovery, complementing efforts and services provided by treatment programs. Sober, safe and affordable housing is often one of the final bridges a person needs as they transition to independent living. The SHARE Loan Fund was that bridge for many people. For information about sober housing in Massachusetts, contact the Substance Abuse Helpline at 1-800-327-5050.