New Hampshire NARR State Affiliate (NHCORR) | Complete Guide

Introduction: What is NHCORR?

The New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR) is the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) in New Hampshire. Established through a grassroots effort in 2017 by a group of recovery home operators committed to bringing best practices to the state’s recovery housing sector, NHCORR achieved official NARR affiliate status in 2019.

NHCORR provides voluntary certification of recovery houses, education and training to homeowners, managers, residents, and the public, ensuring that New Hampshire’s recovery residences meet nationally recognized standards for safety, recovery support, ethical operation, and resident well-being.

About the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences

Mission Statement

NHCORR’s mission is to support and enhance the quality of recovery residences throughout New Hampshire by providing certification, education, and advocacy services that promote safe, ethical, and effective recovery housing.

History

• 2017: Founded by grassroots coalition of recovery home operators
• 2019: Secured official NARR State Affiliate status
• Present: Sole entity authorized by NARR to certify recovery houses in New Hampshire

Key Functions

• Certification: Providing NARR-based certification for recovery residences
• Education: Offering workshops, conferences, and technical assistance
• Training: Supporting operators and staff with best practices
• Advocacy: Educating policymakers, zoning boards, and communities about recovery housing and fair housing protections
• State Registry Coordination: Facilitating inclusion on the NH Voluntary Recovery House Registry

For more information, visit the official NHCORR website or their NARR affiliate page.

NARR Certification Levels

NHCORR certification is based on NARR Standard 3.0, which defines essential standards for recovery housing across four levels of support:

Level I - Peer-Run

• Democratically self-governed homes
• No paid staff presence
• Residents share all responsibilities equally
• Maximum autonomy with peer accountability
• Common in New Hampshire

Level II - Monitored (Most Common)

• House manager provides oversight and accountability
• Peer-led environment with structured rules
• Regular house meetings
• Residents expected to participate in recovery activities
• Most sober living homes in NH operate at this level

Level III - Supervised

• Paid staff provides on-site supervision
• Structured programming and life skills support
• More intensive accountability measures
• Professional oversight of daily operations

Level IV - Service Provider

• Licensed clinical treatment component
• Professional clinical staff on-site
• Typically outside NHCORR’s standard certification scope
• Highest level of structure and clinical support

How to Get Certified in New Hampshire

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, thoroughly review the NARR Standard 3.0 requirements. Key areas include:

• Safety and physical environment standards
• Fire safety, egress, and occupancy limits
• Clean and well-maintained living spaces
• Recovery support services and peer support
• Relapse policies and access to services

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather comprehensive documentation including:

• Policies and procedures manual
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Emergency response procedures
• Fire safety inspection certificates
• Building code compliance documentation

Step 3: Submit Application to NHCORR

Complete the NHCORR certification application through their certification portal. Applications are processed through the Certemy platform for streamlined verification.

Step 4: Complete On-Site Inspection

NHCORR representatives will conduct an on-site inspection to verify:

• Physical safety and cleanliness
• Fire safety compliance (smoke alarms, extinguishers, egress)
• Adequate space and furnishings
• Recovery-supportive environment

Step 5: Receive Certification

Upon successful inspection and documentation review, your residence receives NHCORR certification. You must:

• Maintain continuous compliance with NARR standards
• Cooperate with NHCORR on any complaints or grievances
• Notify NHCORR of major changes (relocations, capacity adjustments, serious incidents)

Step 6: Apply for State Registry (Optional but Recommended)

After receiving NHCORR certification, you may apply for inclusion on the New Hampshire Voluntary Recovery House Registry maintained by DHHS:

• State-funded referrals (such as The Doorway) require registry inclusion
• Registration requires submission of NHCORR certification certificate
• Registration is free but must be renewed annually alongside certification

Benefits of NHCORR Certification

For Operators

• Credibility: NARR certification demonstrates commitment to quality
• Referrals: Access to state-funded referral networks including The Doorway
• State Registry: Eligibility for the NH Voluntary Recovery House Registry
• Professional Development: Training workshops and technical assistance
• Community Recognition: Enhanced reputation with healthcare providers and courts

For Residents

• Safety Assurance: Homes meet rigorous safety and quality standards
• Recovery Support: Guaranteed access to peer support and recovery services
• Grievance Process: Formal procedures for addressing concerns
• Quality Environment: Clean, well-maintained living spaces

For Healthcare Partners

• Trusted Referrals: Confidence that patients will receive quality housing
• Continuity of Care: Structured environments supporting treatment outcomes
• Accountability: Certification ensures ongoing compliance

New Hampshire State Requirements

Is Certification Mandatory?

NHCORR certification is voluntary in New Hampshire. However, certification provides significant advantages:

• Required for inclusion on the state’s Voluntary Recovery House Registry
• Necessary for receiving state-funded referrals through The Doorway
• Increasingly preferred by healthcare providers and treatment centers

Fair Housing Protections

NHCORR actively educates communities about Fair Housing Act protections for recovery residences, helping operators navigate zoning challenges and discrimination issues.

Integration with State Programs

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains the Voluntary Recovery House Registry, creating a direct pathway from NHCORR certification to state recognition and referral network access.

Contact Information

New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR)

• Website: www.nhcorr.org
• How to Certify: www.nhcorr.org/how-to-certify
• NARR Affiliate Page: narronline.org/affiliate/new-hampshire-coalition-of-recovery-residences

Managing Your NHCORR-Certified Residence

Operating a certified recovery residence requires careful attention to compliance, documentation, and resident management. Sober Living App provides comprehensive software designed specifically for recovery residence operators, helping you:

• Track resident progress and accountability measures
• Manage drug testing schedules and documentation
• Maintain compliance records for certification renewals
• Streamline billing and rent collection
• Generate reports for NHCORR inspections

Related Resources

• Opening a Sober Living Home in New Hampshire
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences
• NARR Standards
• NARR Certification Process

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance related to recovery residences and certification requirements.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026