Washington NARR State Affiliate (WAQRR) | Complete Guide

Washington NARR State Affiliate: Complete Guide to WAQRR Certification

The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) serves as the official NARR state affiliate for Washington State, providing certification and support for recovery residences throughout the state. This comprehensive guide covers everything operators need to know about WAQRR certification, requirements, funding opportunities, and the benefits of becoming accredited.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to WAQRR
2. About the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences
3. Certification Levels
4. How to Get Certified
5. Benefits of Certification
6. Funding Opportunities
7. Contact Information
8. Related Resources

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Introduction to WAQRR

The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) was founded in 2017 by a group of recovery residence operators and stakeholders committed to improving the quality and accessibility of recovery housing in Washington State. As the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), WAQRR provides the framework for certification, mutual support, and accountability among operators.

WAQRR’s certification ensures that recovery residences meet national standards and provide safe, supportive environments for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

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About the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences

Mission and Vision

WAQRR’s goal is to provide a platform for mutual support, accountability, and resources for operators who desire to provide safe and healthy residential communities for people in recovery from substance use disorders. The organization works to elevate the standard of recovery housing across Washington State.

Key Functions

• Certification: Accrediting recovery residences that meet NARR standards
• Quality Assurance: Conducting annual reviews including site visits and resident interviews
• Training: Providing education and resources for operators
• Advocacy: Working with state agencies to support recovery housing policy
• Directory Management: Maintaining the Washington Recovery Housing Directory
• Funding Facilitation: Administering state funding opportunities for certified residences

State Collaboration

WAQRR works closely with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to support recovery housing initiatives. Certified residences become eligible for inclusion on HCA’s state registry, unlocking referral streams and state-backed support programs.

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Certification Levels

WAQRR has aligned its certification levels with NARR’s national standards. These levels (also referred to as Types) define the spectrum of recovery housing based on staffing intensity, governance, and recovery support services.

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residence

• Structure: Democratically run by residents with shared leadership
• Staffing: No paid staff; peer-operated environment
• Services: Peer support and mutual accountability
• Best For: Individuals with established recovery seeking community support

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residence

• Structure: House manager provides oversight and structure
• Staffing: Staff member on-site (non-clinical role)
• Services: Structured environment with house meetings, accountability measures
• Best For: Individuals who benefit from additional oversight
• Note: Level II residences may qualify for state operating funds

Level III: Supervised Recovery Residence

• Structure: Supervised environment with professional recovery support
• Staffing: Credentialed staff providing recovery support services
• Services: Life skills training, case management, connection to treatment
• Best For: Individuals transitioning from treatment who need structured support
• Note: Level III residences may qualify for state operating funds

Level IV: Service Provider Recovery Residence

• Structure: Intensive support with clinical services
• Staffing: Licensed clinical staff available
• Services: Comprehensive recovery support with clinical oversight
• Best For: Individuals requiring significant support during early recovery

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How to Get Certified

Step 1: Review WAQRR Standards

Before applying, thoroughly review WAQRR’s Quality Standards and Code of Ethics, which are based on NARR’s national standards. Key areas include:

• Administrative policies and procedures
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Physical environment requirements
• Health and safety protocols
• Financial management practices
• Abstinence policies

Step 2: Ensure Eligibility

Your residence must meet baseline requirements:

• Legal Compliance: Local zoning rules, Fair Housing requirements, proper business registration
• Physical Standards: Adequate bedroom square footage, safe occupancy limits
• Insurance: Liability insurance meeting WAQRR’s minimum requirements
• Environment: Home-like setting suitable for group living
• Policies: Abstinence policies aligned with WAQRR standards
• MAT Acceptance: Must accept residents on prescribed medications including MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder)

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documentation:

• Business registration and legal structure documents
• Insurance binder or declaration page
• Resident handbook and house rules
• Resident rights policies
• Non-discrimination statement
• Staff qualifications and operating standards
• Emergency response procedures
• Financial policies

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete and submit the WAQRR certification application through their official website. The application requires comprehensive information about your residence’s operations, policies, and governance.

Step 5: Program and Document Review

WAQRR reviews all submitted documentation to ensure policies and procedures meet certification standards. You may receive requests for additional information or clarification.

Step 6: On-Site Inspection

WAQRR conducts comprehensive site visits that include:

• Physical inspection of the residence
• Review of documentation and record-keeping
• Staff interviews
• Resident interviews (when appropriate)
• Verification of safety features and compliance

Step 7: Certification Decision

After review, WAQRR issues one of the following:

• Full Accreditation: Residence meets all standards
• Provisional Accreditation: Minor issues requiring correction
• Denial: Significant deficiencies requiring correction before reapplication

Step 8: Annual Renewal

Certified homes undergo annual reviews to maintain accreditation. This ensures consistent safety and quality across all certified residences.

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Benefits of Certification

Washington Recovery Housing Directory Listing

Once accredited, your residence is listed in the Washington Recovery Housing Directory, increasing visibility to individuals seeking recovery housing and referral sources.

HCA State Registry Inclusion

Certified residences become eligible for inclusion on the Health Care Authority’s state registry, unlocking:

• Referral streams from treatment programs
• State-backed support programs
• Enhanced credibility with state agencies

Funding Eligibility

WAQRR certification is often required for state and federal funding opportunities, including:

• Recovery Housing Operating Funds (NOFA programs)
• HCA’s recovery residence loan programs
• Grant opportunities for recovery housing expansion

Referral Network Access

Treatment programs, courts, probation officers, and healthcare providers prefer referring clients to certified residences that meet quality standards.

Training and Support

WAQRR provides ongoing education and resources for certified operators:

• NARR Standards training
• Best practices workshops
• Technical assistance
• Networking opportunities

Community Trust

Certification signals commitment to quality, building trust with residents, families, neighbors, and the broader community.

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Funding Opportunities

2025-2026 Operating Funds

WAQRR periodically releases Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Recovery Housing Operating Funds. The 2025-2026 program supports:

• Development of newly staffed Level II recovery residences
• Development of Level III recovery residences
• Expansion of access to recovery housing across Washington State

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for most funding opportunities:

• Must hold current, active WAQRR certification
• Must meet specific level requirements (typically Level II or III)
• Must demonstrate operational readiness
• Must comply with all state and federal requirements

HCA Programs

The Health Care Authority offers various support programs for certified recovery residences. Check with WAQRR for current opportunities.

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Contact Information

Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR)

• Website: https://waqrr.org
• Certification Information: https://www.waqrr.org/certification-process-summary
• About Recovery Residences: https://www.waqrr.org/aboutrrs

Washington Recovery Housing Directory

• Website: https://www.recoveryhousingwa.org

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

• Website: https://narronline.org
• WAQRR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/washington-alliance-for-quality-recovery-residences/

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Streamline Your Operations with Sober Living App

Managing a certified recovery residence in Washington requires tracking compliance requirements, resident data, and operational details. Sober Living App provides purpose-built software for recovery housing operators, helping you:

• Track Certification Requirements: Stay organized with compliance documentation and inspection schedules
• Manage Resident Records: Securely store resident information, agreements, and progress notes
• Streamline Billing: Automate rent collection and financial tracking
• Generate Reports: Create reports for WAQRR inspections and funding applications
• Coordinate Drug Testing: Track and schedule drug testing with ease
• Demonstrate MAT Compliance: Document acceptance and support for residents on MOUD

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Related Resources

Looking for more information about operating a recovery residence in Washington State? Check out these related articles:

• The Smart Way to Open a Sober Living Home in Washington
• NARR Affiliate Updates for Washington, Arizona, and Tennessee Sober Living Homes

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Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Requirements and funding opportunities may change. Please verify current information with WAQRR and relevant state agencies.