Bringing Recovery Housing to Scale in Ohio: Lessons Learned
Recovery housing plays a critical role in supporting individuals in long-term recovery from substance use disorders by providing stable, substance-free living environments rooted in peer support. Despite its importance, access to recovery housing remains limited in many communities. This research brief summarizes findings from a qualitative study that explored the barriers and facilitators to expanding recovery housing across Ohio, with broader implications for strengthening recovery-oriented systems of care.
The study was conducted as part of a statewide quality improvement initiative and included site visits, interviews, and focus groups with 113 participants. Participants represented a range of perspectives, including policymakers, recovery housing operators, staff, residents, and community stakeholders from both urban and rural areas. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify recurring themes related to recovery housing availability, sustainability, and expansion.
Across interviews, participants consistently described a significant unmet need for recovery housing. Demand frequently exceeded capacity, particularly for women, families, justice-involved individuals, and people with co-occurring mental health conditions. In many areas, individuals seeking recovery housing faced long waitlists, limited options, or the need to relocate far from their support networks.
Participants identified several factors that supported the expansion of recovery housing, including strong collaboration among providers, advocacy by recovery leaders, and support from policymakers and local communities. Education and outreach efforts were also viewed as important tools for reducing stigma and building public understanding of recovery housing.
At the same time, the study highlighted substantial barriers to growth. These included limited and unstable funding, inconsistent definitions and standards for recovery housing, and regulatory challenges related to zoning, housing codes, and eligibility requirements. Together, these barriers made it difficult for providers to expand capacity or maintain long-term sustainability.
Key Findings: The findings suggest that recovery housing is widely recognized by stakeholders as a critical and effective support for individuals in recovery, particularly during early and vulnerable stages of the recovery process. However, despite this broad support, the growth and sustainability of recovery housing are constrained by several structural and policy-related challenges. Addressing funding gaps, clarifying standards, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration will help expand access to recovery housing and better meet the needs of individuals in recovery.