Wisconsin NARR State Affiliate (WASH) | Complete Guide

Wisconsin NARR State Affiliate: Complete Guide to WASH Certification

The Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) serves as the official NARR state affiliate for Wisconsin, providing certification and support for recovery residences throughout the state. This comprehensive guide covers everything operators need to know about WASH certification, requirements, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to WASH
2. About the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing
3. Certification Levels
4. How to Get Certified
5. Required Documentation
6. Benefits of Certification
7. Training Opportunities
8. Contact Information
9. Related Resources

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Introduction to WASH

The Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) is the statewide professional association for recovery residences and the official Wisconsin affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). WASH exists to connect, educate, and elevate recovery residences and sober housing operations across Wisconsin.

WASH provides voluntary professional certification for Recovery/Sober Homes based on nationally recognized quality and ethical standards, helping ensure that individuals in recovery have access to safe, supportive housing environments.

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About the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing

Mission and Vision

WASH’s mission is to promote and improve recovery resilience and longevity by connecting, educating, and elevating recovery residences across Wisconsin. The organization works to ensure that recovery housing meets high standards of quality, safety, and ethical operation.

Key Functions

• Certification: Evaluating and certifying recovery residences using NARR standards
• Education: Providing training and resources for recovery home operators
• Technical Assistance: Supporting operators in building policies and procedures
• Advocacy: Working with state agencies and legislators on recovery housing policy
• Networking: Connecting operators for peer support and knowledge sharing
• Quality Assurance: Conducting inspections and reviews to maintain standards

Organizational Approach

WASH takes a supportive approach to certification, offering technical assistance to operators as they develop their programs. While full certification is reserved for currently operating residences, WASH works with new operators to help them build compliant policies and procedures before opening.

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Certification Levels

WASH certification covers homes aligned with NARR’s four Levels of Care, ranging from peer-run environments to clinically supported residences.

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residence

• Structure: Democratically operated with shared leadership among residents
• Staffing: No paid staff; peer-managed environment
• Services: Peer support, mutual accountability, house meetings
• Best For: Individuals with established recovery who thrive in peer-run environments

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residence

• Structure: House manager provides oversight and structure
• Staffing: Staff member on-site (non-clinical role)
• Services: Structured schedule, accountability measures, connection to resources
• Best For: Individuals who benefit from additional oversight and structure

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, group sessions
• Best For: Individuals transitioning from treatment who need structured support

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

Eligibility Requirements

The WASH certification process is open to recovery residences currently operating within the state of Wisconsin. Key eligibility criteria include:

• Currently Operating: Must be actively providing recovery residence services
• Wisconsin Location: Must be located within Wisconsin state boundaries
• Serving SUD Population: Must serve individuals affected by substance use disorders
• Code Compliance: Must comply with local building, safety, fire code, and zoning requirements

Note: New operators can work with WASH for technical assistance while building their programs, but full certification is reserved for operating residences.

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, thoroughly familiarize yourself with NARR’s national quality standards and WASH’s specific requirements. Key areas include:

• Administrative policies and procedures
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Physical environment standards
• Health and safety protocols
• Financial management practices
• Staff qualifications

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documentation (see detailed list in next section). Ensure all documents are current and accurately reflect your operations.

Step 3: Submit Application

Complete and submit the WASH certification application with all required documentation. The application requires detailed information about your residence’s:

• Governance structure
• Operational policies
• Staff qualifications
• Physical environment
• Resident services
• Financial practices

Step 4: On-Site Inspection

WASH conducts comprehensive on-site inspections to verify compliance with safety standards. Inspectors evaluate:

• Physical condition and safety of the residence
• Documentation and record-keeping practices
• Staff knowledge of policies and procedures
• Overall compliance with WASH standards

Step 5: Certification Decision

After review, WASH may issue:

• Full Approval: Residence meets all standards
• Provisional Approval: Approval with adjustments required
• Temporary Hold: Technical assistance provided before resubmission
• Denial: Waiting period before reapplication

Step 6: Two-Year Certification Cycle

WASH certification is a two-year active credential. Certified homes undergo re-certification every two years to maintain their status.

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Required Documentation

Insurance Documentation

Submit an Insurance Binder from your insurance company OR the Declaration page of your policy. The documentation must:

• List the name of the property owner or the Recovery/Sober Home name
• Be current (valid for one year from the listed date)
• Meet WASH’s minimum coverage requirements

Resident Rights Document

Provide a comprehensive list of rights afforded to residents (called “Recoverees” in WASH terminology). These rights are distinct from house expectations/rules. Example resident rights include:

• Right to live in a safe and sober environment free from physical violence
• Right to privacy and confidentiality
• Right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Right to access recovery support services
• Right to file grievances without retaliation

Non-Discrimination Policy

Submit a non-discrimination statement and policy indicating the Recovery/Sober Home will not discriminate against anyone for any reason. This policy must comply with Fair Housing requirements.

Operating Standards

Provide documentation indicating:

• Operating standards of the Recovery Home
• Responsibilities of the House Manager
• Staff roles and expectations
• Emergency procedures
• House rules and expectations

House Expectations

Document the do’s and don’ts of the house, separate from resident rights. This includes:

• Behavioral expectations
• Curfew requirements
• Drug testing policies
• Meeting attendance requirements
• Chore responsibilities
• Guest policies

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Benefits of Certification

Credibility and Recognition

WASH certification signals to residents, families, and referral sources that your recovery residence meets nationally recognized quality standards. This builds trust and differentiates your home from non-certified facilities.

Referral Network Access

Certified homes gain access to referral networks from:

• Treatment centers
• Healthcare providers
• Courts and probation departments
• Social service agencies
• Other community organizations

Training and Resources

WASH provides ongoing education and support for certified operators:

• NARR 3.0 Standards training
• Policy and procedure workshops
• Technical assistance
• Networking opportunities
• Access to industry best practices

Quality Improvement Framework

The certification process provides a structured framework for continuous improvement, helping operators enhance resident outcomes and operational efficiency.

Advocacy Support

WASH advocates for recovery housing at the state level, working to create a supportive regulatory environment and funding opportunities for certified residences.

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Training Opportunities

Mini Grant Program

Organizations operating recovery residences interested in training may be eligible for a mini grant through WASH. The program includes:

• Short application process
• Pre and post assessment
• NARR 3.0 training completion
• Financial support for training costs

Policy and Procedure Workshop

WASH hosts dedicated Policy and Procedure writing workshops to help operators develop compliant documentation. These workshops cover:

• NARR Standards requirements
• Best practices for policy development
• Template review and customization
• Q&A with experienced operators

Cost: $250 registration fee

Contact: tom@washcommunity.org for workshop details and registration

NARR 3.0 Training

WASH supports operators in completing NARR 3.0 training, which covers:

• National quality standards
• Certification requirements
• Best practices for recovery housing
• Ethical guidelines
• Resident rights and safety

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Contact Information

Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH)

• Website: https://soberhousing.net or https://washcommunity.org
• Certification Overview: https://washcommunity.org/certification-overview
• Email: tom@washcommunity.org

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

• Website: https://narronline.org
• WASH Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/wisconsin-association-of-sober-housing/

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

• Recovery Residence Directory: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/recovresdir.pdf

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Streamline Your Operations with Sober Living App

Managing a certified recovery residence in Wisconsin 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
• Document Resident Rights: Maintain records of rights acknowledgments and grievances
• Streamline Billing: Automate rent collection and financial tracking
• Generate Reports: Create reports for WASH inspections and re-certification
• Coordinate Drug Testing: Track and schedule drug testing with ease

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Related Resources

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

• Secrets of Opening a Sober Living Home in Wisconsin
• New Regulations for NARR Sober Living Homes in Maryland, Wisconsin, and Colorado

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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 may change. Please verify current information with WASH and relevant state agencies.