About the course

This introductory course lays the groundwork for understanding the purpose, structure, and impact of recovery housing. You’ll learn how recovery homes provide safe, supportive environments that empower individuals to rebuild their lives free from substance use. Through real-world examples and practical insights, this course explores the essential components of effective recovery housing—covering everything from core standards and operations to community partnerships and guest support. Whether you’re a professional entering the field, a prospective operator, or simply passionate about recovery, this course will give you the foundation to make a meaningful difference.

About Dr. Hunter T. Foote

Dr. Hunter T. Foote is a nationally recognized developer and advocate for structured recovery residences. Drawing on nearly a decade of work establishing and supporting recovery homes across the United States, Dr. Foote breaks down the principles that make recovery housing both effective and sustainable. Students will gain a clear understanding of how these homes operate, why they matter, and how they transform communities by providing safe, supportive environments for individuals in recovery. Whether you’re a housing professional, operator, or community partner, this course offers practical insight and inspiration from one of the field’s foremost practitioners.

Curriculum

10 Chapters · 39 Lessons

  1. 1

    Foreword

    1. 👤 About the Creator Free preview
    2. 💜 What Recovery Housing Offers Free preview
    3. (Included in full purchase)

      🧭 Who This Course is For

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      📚 Further Reading

  2. 2

    Chapter 1: What Is Recovery Housing?

    1. 📌 The Defining Features of Recovery Housing Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      🔢 Understanding the 4 Levels of Care

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      ❤️️ The Continuum of Care

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      📜 Recovery Housing Standards

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      ❔ Determining Your Level of Support

  3. 3

    Chapter 2: History and Evolution of Recovery Housing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      💜 Introduction to Recovery Housing’s History

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      🏴󠁥󠁳󠁶󠁣󠁿 The 1960s: Rise of Therapeutic Communities and Halfway Houses

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      🏡 The 1970s: Sober Living Homes & Self-Help

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      🚂 The 1980s: Movement Toward Structure & Advocacy

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      ⚖️ The 1990s–2000s: Professionalization, Legal Foundations, and Growing Pains

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      📅 2011: The Founding of NARR

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      ✅ 2016: The Founding of VSL

  4. 4

    Chapter 3: The Recovery Housing Landscape

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Key Stakeholders

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      💲 The Business of Recovery Housing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      ☑️ NARR-Affiliate Certification

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      🙋‍♂️ Building a Recovery Community

  5. 5

    Chapter 4: Operating a Recovery Home

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      👔 Operators of Recovery Housing

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      👤 A Resident’s Journey

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      👨‍👦‍👦 House Mentors

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      💼 Recovery Housing Staffing

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      📆 House Meetings

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      🧪 Drug Screening Basics

  6. 6

    Chapter 5: Sober Living Real Estate

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      📈 The Investment Opportunity

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      🔎 Finding the Right Property

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      📊 The Leasing Model

  7. 7

    Chapter 6: Working With VSL

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      📜 Becoming a Chartered Operator

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      🎓 Equipping House Mentors

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      🏘️ A Platform for Developers

  8. 8

    Chapter 7: The Legal Framework

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      ⚖️ Foundation in Federal Law

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      🗺️ Fair Housing: Zoning & HOAs

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      🏛️ Discrimination & Legal Issues

  9. 9

    Chapter 8: How to Get Involved

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      ➕ Open and Operate a Recovery Home

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      📐 Turn Your Property into Recovery Housing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      💰 Invest in Real Estate for Purpose and Profit

  10. 10

    Chapter 9: Conclusion

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      💭 A Final Word of Encouragement