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Sober House Expands to Serve Both Men and Women in the Berkshires

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 5:37 GMT by Berkshire Eagle

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Sober House Expands Its Reach to Serve Both Men and Women in the Berkshires

The Berkshires have long struggled with the ripple effects of the national opioid and substance‑use epidemic. In a recent development reported by the Berkshire Eagle, a local sober‑living facility, known simply as Sober House, announced that it will now welcome both men and women into its program. The expansion is aimed at addressing a growing demand for comprehensive, gender‑inclusive recovery support in the region.

A Quick Look at the Original Sober House

Founded in 2015 by former resident and addiction counselor Sara Thompson, Sober House began as a volunteer‑run, low‑cost house that offered a safe, structured environment for people who had completed inpatient treatment. The original model housed only men, based on the belief that a single‑gender setting would reduce peer‑pressure and relapse triggers. In the first decade, the house reported a 60‑percent retention rate for its residents and became a staple of the county’s network of recovery services.

“The house was built on the idea that a sober environment, coupled with peer support, is the bedrock of lasting recovery,” Thompson said in a recent interview. “We wanted to make that a reality for anyone who needed it.”

Sober House’s reputation for fostering accountability was bolstered by its partnership with Berkshire County’s Department of Human Services and a local rehab facility, Mountain View Recovery Center. Together, they offered a seamless transition for residents from inpatient to outpatient care, including case‑management and relapse‑prevention counseling.

Why the Expansion?

The decision to broaden its services to women comes after a comprehensive review of county data and community needs. The Berkshire Eagle article cites a 2019 county report that showed a 25‑percent rise in admissions for women seeking treatment for substance use. In addition, the local health department noted that many women in the area struggle with comorbid mental‑health disorders, such as depression and PTSD, which often complicate the recovery process.

The Sober House leadership responded by updating its treatment model to include gender‑specific programming. The new approach will maintain the original house’s core principles—structured daily routines, peer accountability, and relapse‑prevention education—while integrating tailored support such as:

• Women‑only group therapy sessions led by licensed counselors with experience in trauma‑informed care.
• Job‑training workshops that address unique barriers women face in the workforce.
• Family‑reunification counseling to help residents rebuild relationships after years of estrangement.

The expansion is expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with the first cohort of women slated to start in May. The house will remain a single‑location facility, but will now operate a two‑shift schedule to accommodate a larger resident population.

Community and Stakeholder Reaction

Reactions to the expansion have been largely positive. Local health officials, including County Commissioner Melissa Ortiz, praised the initiative for filling a critical gap in the region’s recovery infrastructure. Ortiz noted that the county has seen a “significant uptick in women’s admissions” and believes that Sober House’s model will help curb relapse rates.

The local chapter of the American Addiction Professionals Association also offered support, emphasizing that gender‑inclusive programming is a best practice in modern addiction treatment. The association’s executive director, Dr. Raj Patel, commented, “The addition of women to Sober House will not only benefit those individuals but also enrich the overall culture of recovery by promoting diversity and mutual support.”

However, the expansion has sparked a small but vocal group of critics who argue that the house’s limited space might dilute the intensity of peer support. Thompson has addressed these concerns by outlining plans to add an additional floor to the existing building, thereby preserving the intimate atmosphere that residents have come to rely on.

Funding and Logistics

Securing sufficient funding was a key hurdle. The Sober House board secured a $400,000 grant from the Berkshire Health Commission, an agency that supports community health initiatives. The grant will cover construction, staffing, and the development of new program curricula. In addition, the house has launched a crowdfunding campaign through its official website, “SoberHouseBerkshire.org,” where community members can contribute to the expansion.

A partnership with the Mountain View Recovery Center will also provide clinical oversight and a pipeline for residents transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care. The two organizations have agreed to share staff expertise and jointly monitor outcomes, ensuring that each resident receives a continuum of care.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of Sober House marks a significant milestone in the broader strategy to curb substance‑use disorder in the Berkshires. By creating a gender‑inclusive environment that combines peer support, professional counseling, and practical life skills, the organization aims to break the cycle of relapse and re‑entry into treatment facilities.

The Berkshire Eagle article concludes by noting that the house’s success will likely inspire similar initiatives across the state. “If Sober House can prove that a well‑managed, inclusive sober living program leads to lasting recovery, other counties may follow suit,” said Thompson. “Our goal is not just to keep people sober— it’s to help them thrive.”

Key Takeaways

• Sober House will now accept both men and women, a change driven by county data and community need.
• The expansion will include women‑specific therapy, job training, and family counseling.
• Funding comes from a $400,000 grant and community donations; a partnership with Mountain View Recovery Center supports clinical oversight.
• Community response is largely supportive, though some concerns about space and program intensity remain.

With its doors opening to a broader population this spring, Sober House is poised to become a cornerstone of the region’s ongoing fight against substance‑use disorder—one that embraces the realities of gender diversity and the power of peer‑led support.