Nebraska NARR State Affiliate | Recovery Housing Certification Guide

Nebraska NARR State Affiliate Status

As of January 2026, Nebraska does not have an official NARR (National Alliance for Recovery Residences) state affiliate. This means there is no state-level organization specifically designated to certify recovery residences under NARR standards in the Cornhusker State.

Nebraska has been working to address substance use disorders through various state initiatives, but a formal NARR affiliate has not yet been established to provide standardized certification for recovery housing.

What This Means for Recovery Housing Operators in Nebraska

The absence of a state NARR affiliate does not prevent Nebraska recovery residence operators from providing quality housing or pursuing certification standards. Here’s what you should know:

Current Landscape

• No mandatory state certification: Nebraska does not currently require recovery residences to be certified under NARR standards
• Growing awareness: State agencies and treatment providers are increasingly focused on recovery housing quality
• Rural challenges: Much of Nebraska is rural, creating unique challenges for recovery housing access
• Limited oversight: Recovery residences operate with minimal state-level regulation

Benefits of Pursuing Certification Anyway

Even without a state affiliate, pursuing NARR standards offers significant advantages:

1. Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to quality standards
2. Referral partnerships: Treatment centers prefer certified or standards-compliant homes
3. Operational excellence: NARR standards provide proven best practices
4. Competitive advantage: Stand out in Nebraska’s recovery housing market

Certification Options for Nebraska Recovery Residences

Option 1: NARR National Direct Certification

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences provides resources for operators in states without affiliates:

• Access to the NARR Standard 3.0 documentation
• Training resources and educational webinars
• Guidance on implementing quality standards
• Connection to the national recovery housing community

Contact NARR National: narronline.org

Option 2: Adopt NARR Standards Independently

Even without formal certification, Nebraska operators can:

• Implement NARR’s four-level recovery residence model
• Follow the NARR Code of Ethics
• Adopt safety and operational standards from the NARR Standard 3.0
• Document compliance for potential future certification

Option 3: Partner with Neighboring State Affiliates

Some operators explore relationships with affiliates in neighboring states:

• Colorado Association of Recovery Residences (CARR): Established affiliate with training resources
• Missouri Association of Recovery Residences: Regional training opportunities
• Iowa affiliates: Potential for cross-state networking (though Iowa also lacks an affiliate)

When Will Nebraska Get a NARR Affiliate?

NARR state affiliates typically form through grassroots efforts by recovery housing operators, advocacy groups, and state agencies. Here’s what’s needed:

Requirements for Forming a State Affiliate

1. Coalition building: Operators, advocates, and stakeholders must unite
2. Nonprofit formation: Most affiliates operate as 501(c)(3) organizations
3. NARR application: The coalition must apply to NARR for affiliate status
4. Training requirements: Leadership must complete NARR affiliate training
5. Sustainable funding: Affiliates need resources to operate certification programs

How You Can Help

If you want to see a NARR affiliate established in Nebraska:

• Connect with other operators: Build relationships with recovery housing providers statewide
• Engage advocacy groups: Work with Nebraska’s recovery community organizations
• Contact NARR: Express interest in forming a Nebraska affiliate
• Attend NARR conferences: Network with affiliate leaders from other states
• Partner with state agencies: Engage with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska Recovery Housing Regulations

While there’s no NARR affiliate, Nebraska operators should understand existing requirements:

State-Level Considerations

• Fair Housing Act protections: Recovery residences are protected as housing for persons with disabilities
• Local zoning ordinances: Requirements vary by city and county; Omaha and Lincoln have specific considerations
• Business licensing: Standard registration requirements apply
• Health and safety codes: Local building and fire codes must be met

Best Practices for Unregulated Markets

Operating without mandatory certification means self-regulation is essential:

1. Develop comprehensive house rules and resident agreements
2. Implement consistent drug testing protocols
3. Maintain proper liability insurance
4. Create and practice emergency procedures
5. Document all policies and resident interactions

Related Resources

For Nebraska recovery housing operators, these resources provide additional guidance:

• Opening a Sober Living Home in Nebraska - Guide for Nebraska operators
• NARR Updates for Nebraska - Latest regulatory news
• Peer Support Services in Nebraska - Medicaid reimbursement information
• Grants for Recovery Homes - Funding opportunities
• NARR National Website - Standards and resources

Stay Updated

We’ll update this page when Nebraska establishes a NARR state affiliate. In the meantime:

1. Subscribe to NARR updates: Stay informed about national developments
2. Join recovery housing networks: Connect with operators in Nebraska and neighboring states
3. Explore Sober Living App: Our software helps operators maintain quality standards and documentation

---

Last Updated: January 2026

Note: This page will be updated when Nebraska establishes a NARR state affiliate. Check back regularly for the latest information on recovery housing certification in Nebraska.