What Can Your Sober Living Home Do for Racial Equity? A Lot, Actually

As a sober living home operator, you likely pride yourself on providing equal treatment to all residents regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. But maintaining basic non-discrimination policies represents only the bare minimum. The real goal is becoming actively anti-racist.

The Reality of Racial Disparities in Recovery

The sober living community is disproportionately white despite addiction affecting communities of color severely. Addiction treatment centers are overwhelmingly owned and operated by white people, while addiction ravages communities of color. Yet residents receiving treatment remain predominantly white.

This disparity isn’t accidental. It reflects systemic barriers that prevent people of color from accessing quality recovery services.

Four Actions You Can Take Today

1. Educate Yourself and Your Staff

Recognize systemic racism as a root cause of addiction. Understand how chronic stress from racism, criminal justice disparities, and stigma uniquely impact recovery for people of color.

Invest in training that helps staff understand the intersection of race and addiction. This isn’t about political correctness; it’s about providing effective, culturally competent care.

2. Listen Actively

When residents of color speak about their experiences, listen without defensiveness. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insight into how your organization can improve.

Avoid burdening them with educating staff about systemic racism. That’s your job as a leader. Instead, create safe spaces for residents to share their experiences on their own terms.

3. Diversify Leadership

Ensure staff, particularly in positions of power, reflect the community you serve. If your leadership team is entirely white, you’re missing crucial perspectives that could improve outcomes for all residents.

Diversifying leadership isn’t just about optics. Research consistently shows that diverse teams make better decisions and provide more effective care.

4. Support BIPOC Businesses

Purchase supplies and services from Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. This supports local financial equity and demonstrates your commitment to the broader community.

Small choices, like where you source cleaning supplies or office equipment, add up to meaningful economic impact over time.

Moving Forward

Racial equity work is ongoing. It requires consistent effort, uncomfortable conversations, and a willingness to examine your own biases and organizational practices.

Start with one action this week. Then build from there. Your residents, your community, and the recovery movement as a whole will benefit from your commitment to equity.