Advocacy

NARR gives peers living in recovery residences a unified voice to a degree that has never been heard. Our vision is that all persons in recovery from addiction have access to the recovery support they need to live happier, healthier lives. Housing is essential for everyone, but people in recovery from alcohol and other drugs often need the peer support and safe, structured living environment that is found in a recovery residence. Together our voice can demand the funding and policy changes need to make this vision a reality.

NARR's ongoing advocacy campaigns include:

Raise Awareness and Lead Dialogue

NARR holds a forum for exchanging ideas and public policy development. As the national voice, we are taking our place at discussion tables that are helping define the role of recovery residences as healthcare reform unfolds. Our Board Members can be found behind podiums and in front of presentation rooms at conventions and symposiums across the US. Visit our blog and events page to find out when we will be in a city near you.

Grassroots Empowerment

NARR continues to collaborate with Faces and Voices of Recovery to strengthen grassroots advocacy within our community e.g. “Our Voices Have Power” advocacy training and a the webinar series,”Why Sober, Safe and Peer Supportive Environments Matter in Addiction Recovery”

Research Advisory Committee

NARR continues to publish resources and advocate for research dollars to study recovery residences by collaborate with the top researchers in recovery housing field: Dr. Leonard Jason, Dr. Doug Polcin, Dr. Amy Mericle and William White. Browse through our resource section to find publications such as “The Primer on Recovery Residences” and “The Future Role of Recovery Residences in Long-term Addiction Recovery”.

Advocate for Fair Housing Rights

Along with lack of funding, fair housing issues are the most significant barriers to persons accessing a recovery residence. Although persons in recovery are protected under federal fair housing law, unfound fears fueled by stigma result in wide spread housing discrimination at the state and local level. If your recovery residence is experiencing fair housing discrimination or an ordinance is creating a barrier to recovery residences, please complete our fair housing survey. NARR reports this data to HUD’s national and regional offices to raise their awareness of the issue. We can also refer you to educational and service resources. Plus, our monthly open call is a great opportunity for you to gain peer support from many of use who have been in your shoes.