Public Comments for 02/01/2022 Unknown Committee/Subcommittee
HB1011 - Public drinking water; Com. of Health to study occurrence of various substances & acids in water.
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters encourages you to SUPPORT HB1011. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals used for their fire-repellant and water- and oil-resistant capabilities. Bioaccumulation of PFAS in the human body has been linked to harmful health impacts, including high cholesterol, thyroid toxicity, cancer, elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, and reduced antibody response to vaccines. Communities near unlined landfills or facilities that manufacture or use PFAS, treat contaminated industrial wastewater, or use firefighting foams may be at risk of drinking water contaminated by PFAS. Specifically, this bill: - Builds on initial testing conducted by a stakeholder workgroup authorized by the General Assembly in 2020. - Requires Virginia’s Department of Health to convene a workgroup to study the occurrence of PFAS in the Commonwealth's public drinking water. - Focuses on small waterworks; waterworks near potential sources of PFAS contamination; waterworks in rural areas; and waterworks that had reported levels of PFAS in the first round of testing.
Dear Subcommittee Members, Please find written testimony on behalf of the Southern Environmental Law Center in support of HB1011 (Guzman). Thank you, Carroll Courtenay
I am really wanting you all not to pass this bill because Oxford House gives me a place to live at a price I can afford on disability it gives me stability Oxford House I would be homeless and if the bill does pass that means I rent would go up and I would be homeless again and I am doing very well I enjoy living in the Oxford House we have meetings once a week for our house and we have committee meetings and everything So please do not pass this bill I in begging you
Please support HB 1011 to continue the study of PFAS chemicals in drinking water sources of Virginia. These "forever" chemicals accumulate in our bodies and can cause illnesses to include thyroid toxicity, reduced antibody response to vaccines and cancer.
HB1079 - Local department; establishing human resources staff position, etc.
The Virginia Municipal League is concerned with the fiscal impact of HB 1079 on local governments because they share costs with the state for local health departments. This bill would require every health department to hire an additional staff person solely to receive complaints on human resources matters. According to VDH, there were 83 human resources-related complaints last year within the 35 health districts. The central office has staff to process complaints and see that they get directed to DHRM as needed. Thank you for your consideration of VML's concerns with this bill.
I am really wanting you all not to pass this bill because Oxford House gives me a place to live at a price I can afford on disability it gives me stability Oxford House I would be homeless and if the bill does pass that means I rent would go up and I would be homeless again and I am doing very well I enjoy living in the Oxford House we have meetings once a week for our house and we have committee meetings and everything So please do not pass this bill I in begging you
HB1172 - Certified recovery residences; Bd. of BHDS to adopt regulations.
Dear Delegate, Protect religious freedom, vote YES for HB 306! Our religious freedoms do not end just because government bureaucrats declare a public health emergency. Our First Amendment rights apply at all times. Thank you, Kellie M. Good
Correction: Please vote YES for house bill 306! No one should be punished for exercising their right to religious freedom!!!!!
Please vote YES for house bill 106! No one should be punished for exercising their right to religious freedom!!!!!
I absolutely back this bill and what Dawn is trying to do I support her completely and I think professionally she's absolutely right... Please give them the rights and the authorities that they need to help out our healthcare system most practitioners are extremely experienced...
Virginia is going to drive out all their doctors. Increasing limits on physicians while decreasing limitations on Nurse Practitioners is an egregious power play that will be to the detriment of the citizenry of Virginia. Physicians complete training with over 15000 hours of supervised clinical training. Nurse practitioners complete training with less than 500 hours and these days their less than 2 years of schooling is sometimes completely online with 100% acceptance rates. Hospitals and politicians love them because they cost less. Buyer beware.
My name is Deborah Jackson and I have been in recovery and involved in Oxford House since August 17, 2014. Although I am opposed to this bill, I am in favor of certification. Just as there are many paths to recovery, there are different paths in recovery residences. There is no " one size fits all." Everyone in recovery knows that a large percentage of addicts will relapse. But study after study shows that self- governed houses offer the highest likelihood of abstinence. The cold and hard fact is since the introduction of Fentanyl more overdoses end in death. This happens in house with staff and houses without. It should be noted that Narcan is in all our houses and our staff is trained to teach house members how to use it. The requirement of a house manager/paid staff should not be the linchpin of certification. There is no evidence that this improves any addicts chances of recovery. It is the peer driven, self-run, self-supporting model that is evidence based. Our communities need more choices in recovery residences not less. Both Oxford House and VAAR know that having staff in a house is not a magic bullet. Oxford House has proven that our model is the most successful.
GOOD EVENING MR. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE. THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION IS AWFUL, IT’S CHRONIC, AND IT’S INSIDIOUS. I LOST MY PARTNER TO HIS ADDICTION AND I MOURNED ALONGSIDE HIS PARENTS. BUT BOTH THEY AND I KNEW WE HAD DONE EVERYTHING WE COULD TO SUPPORT HIM, LOVE HIM, AND HELP HIM. THIS DISEASE IS AWFUL AND THOSE OF US WHO HAVE DEDICATED OUR LIVES TO HELPING ADDICTS RECOVER HAVE SEEN FAR TOO MANY BEAUTIFUL, SMART, LOVING HUMAN BEINGS THAT FILLED THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH JOY SUCCUMB TO IT. AND MY PARTNER AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS WE HAVE LOST, LIVED IN A STAFFED, LEVEL 2 RECOVERY RESIDENCE. SOMETIMES EVERYTHING YOU CAN DO IS STILL NOT ENOUGH. AND EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN RECOVERY AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF TREATMENT ALL KNOW THAT WHEN SOMEONE DECIDES THEY ARE GOING TO RETURN TO ACTIVE ADDICTION THERE IS OFTEN LITTLE ANYONE – A FRIEND, A SPOUSE, A COUNSELOR, A SPONSOR, OR A RECOVERY RESIDENCE OPERATOR – CAN DO TO PREVENT IT. ANY RELAPSE CAN LEAD TO A HORRIBLE, TRAGIC OUTCOME. THE BEST WAY TO SAVE ADDICTS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM THIS IS TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF RELAPSE TO BEGIN WITH. AND STUDY AFTER STUDY, RESEARCH AFTER RESEARCH HAS SHOWN OXFORD HOUSE’S 87.5% RECOVERY RATE IS HIGHER THAN ANY OTHER INTERVENTION IN THE FIELD. PROVIDING SOMEONE WITH AN ENVIRONMENT AND STRUCTURE THAT THEY ARE THE LEAST LIKELY TO RELAPSE IN IS PROVIDING THEM THE HIGHEST CHANCE TO SURVIVE THEIR DISEASE. AND THAT ENVIRONMENT, THAT STRUCTURE, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY, AND THE SURGEON GENERAL, IS AN OXFORD HOUSE. VIRGINIA HAD OVER 2,000 OVERDOES THE FIRST 9 MONTHS OF 2021. WE ARE ON TRACK FOR THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF FATAL OVERDOES IN ONE YEAR EVER. DECERTIFYING AND MARGINALIZING THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY HOUSING MODEL IN HISTORY WILL NOT SAVE LIVES IN VIRGINIA, IT WILL COST US THE LIVES OF BELOVED PARTNERS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS.
Dear Delegates, My name is Chase Roberts, I am urging you to please oppose HB277 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state including myself. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB277!
NPs are not properly trained to practice without physician oversight. This is not safe for patients.
My name is Felicia Dixon, and I reside at Liberia Woods Oxford house for women and children in Manassas, Virginia. I would like to inform you on how the Oxford house has impacted my life. I have always been a kept woman. I’ve been in one abusive relationship to the next for almost my whole adult life. I have struggled with addiction since I was 13 years old. Before getting arrested this past time, I was stuck in such a violent and emotional/mentally abusive drug induced relationship where I had no way out. I was hopeless and suicidal. I wasn’t allowed to work and was cut off from my family. All friends had dwindled out of my life completely and I was alone, other than my abusive boyfriend. During my incarceration I was given the opportunity to go to rehab and get much needed help with my addiction. While there, I was attending one on one therapy and was informed about Oxford Housing. I was terrified about where I could go after completing my 30-day program. I knew if I went back to the only home I knew, I was going to die of an overdose or be murdered by my boyfriend. I was assured that the girls there where just like me. That there was no judgment, compassion, and they would welcome me with open arms. I applied and interviewed the very next day. I was very nervous but the girls on the other end of the phone told me I had nothing to be nervous about and they comforted me before the interview. I was accepted and I’ll never forget the feeling when the President of the house told me. When I was finally released from jail, I moved in and immediately was befriended by everyone in the house. They helped me find my voice, my inner strength, and guided me on how to be a normal adult. They helped me find a job and inadvertently a new sense of purpose. They are there to keep me in check on bad days and they are there to help me celebrate my good days. We have become a family. We laugh together, cry together, and learn together on how to be a productive adult in society. I’m finally starting to heal from my childhood and adulthood trauma. That may seem small to the average person but its huge in my world. I honestly don’t know where id be if it wasn’t for this organization and my fellow housemates. Every day I learn something new about myself and them. We are all so different but also, so much the same. There is a zero-tolerance policy on using and I really needed that. I spent most of my life manipulating law enforcement, PO’s, and the courts but I knew living here, there wouldn’t be any of that. We were all the same. Oxford living has saved my life and I thank God every day I made the right decision and came here. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Felicia Dixon, Secretary
Mr. Chair and members of the subcommittee, thank you for allowing me to submit these comments. Please support HB1172. I am alumni of The McShin Foundation - a VARR-certified community of recovery residences - as well as a state organizer with The Virginia Recovery Advocacy Project. We strongly support this legislation. I know first hand the importance of strong house leadership through accountability and lived-experience supporting individuals in early recovery. Regular house meetings, daily check ins, and communal activities are vital to building and maintaining a supportive recovery community and a foundation for long-term success. Please support HB1172
It is a shame that laws are not already in place for recovering addicts to be in supervision of a clean drug free area to get help not overlooked by an addict themselves. This type of 'sober living' house is not in it for actually helping recovering addicts more to make money off of them. They would be doing themselves a favor shutting themselves down to actually save lives instead of promoting this fake and unprofessional behavior. This is truly sad for anyone in need of help and searching for guidance. This is a disgrace for family's that really think there son or daughter are going to a home that cares about there well-being when that is not the case. Take a look at all the Oxford house residents respones to this bill it's a bit weird that they are almost all copy and pasted word for word. This just goes to show exactly how they operate by trying to make themselves play the victim card and take absolutely zero responsibility for their actions.
I am opposed to HB 1172. I live in Oxford House Kyber. The oxford house organization has given me a second chance on life. If I didn't have oxford house I would be back out on the street. It gives me the tools to learn better social skills, responsibility, and coping skills to deal with triggers to avoid relapse. Oxford house has saved my life that is why I'm opposed to HB1172. My recovery program is in line with the model the oxford house follows. It give me a structured environment to live out my recovery to be able to learn the skills needed to live a clean and sober life.
My name is James Harris, and the oxford house saved my life by accepting me and letting me move in to work on my recovery. I have been to the oxford house two times now, the first time, I was clean for almost 6 months, and I tried to transition back to normal life too fast, and under the stress of everything that was going on I relapsed, and got kicked out. I came back after 30 days and have been clean since, I'm almost past my last clean date, and I'm doing very good, I have the best job I've ever had in my life, I have my family back, I have a daily routine now that I haven't been able to have in years, I'm about to move into my very own home for the first time in my life, and all of these things are only possible because of the Oxford house and my recovery program that I'm actually working this time. The oxford house shutting down might not hurt me because I'm about to have my own place now, but I wouldn't have my life together or be getting into my own place if it wasn't for the oxford house. I want everyone to be able to have what I had, and keeping the oxford house open can do that!
I strongly support Oxford House. They provide a great service to recovering addicts. I have seen and heard first hand many success stories of people who have thrived in their recovery while living in the Oxford House.
This bill is long overdue. Oxford houses are supposed to be safe places that people struggling with addiction can stay and be in structured environment to help them focus on their recovery. Unfortunately, for many years they have been nothing more than a place for an addict to relapse because they have no one living in the house that is monitoring the tenants living there and making sure no one is using while renting a room. The Oxford houses have a recovering addict that’s in charge of making sure things run correctly. Anyone knows that has ever had a family or friend affected by a drug or alcohol addiction that isn’t enough supervision. There needs to be 24 hr monitoring of ALL Oxford houses and those alike for many reasons to prevent drug use, keep the tenants safe from others that have relapsed while in these homes and from outsiders. If you look at ALL drug/mental health facilities in Hampton Roads (VB psych center, riverside behavioral health etc) you’ll see they are locked down to outsiders. There is no traffic coming in or out and they have nurses on staff to ensure patient safety. Why would Oxford Houses not have the same safety nets in place for their tenants. As of right now the Oxford houses are nothing more than rental properties that owners are making profit on for the wrong reasons. Please help the families of addicts get this passed to help loved ones recovery safely. Thank you for your time. Sandra Breen-Bonilla
Dear Delegates, My name is _____Will Crigler_________, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses
My name is Kayla Bryant, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172. I am a professional within the addiction and recovery field and have worked in university and community recovery settings. I have seen the tremendous success of recovery-based programs, specifically Oxford House. Oxford House has a model of operation which does not include house managers. Studies have shown that houses without house managers were more successful than those with house managers. Oxford House is a certified recovery residence. Per the 2020 Virginia evaluation of Oxford House, one success is measured by resident response. This involved "asking residents two relevant questions: [1] How important is Oxford House living to your sobriety and, [2] Would you recommend Oxford House living to someone else. In response to both questions, more than 95% of respondents indicated that Oxford House living was very important to their personal recovery and would recommend Oxford House living to others in recovery" The November 2016 US Surgeon General’s Report, “Facing Addiction In America,” singled out Oxford House as a key program in the continuum of successful treatment for addiction. The Oxford House program was listed as a best practice on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices [NREPP] in 2011. This bill, if passed, would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172! Kayla Bryant, M.A.
I am writing on behalf of Oxford House and myself to please do not pass this bill. Oxford house has saved my life and given an opportunity for me to reenter society as a tax paying and voting citizen. It is very hard to attain housing when you are just getting back to the work-force and have little if any rental history. Please, dont try to fix what is not broken.
I feel for -One ; Since this is a non profit, self supported organization, then there would be no funds available for payment -Second ;This goes against the grain , purposes morals of Oxford Houses, in general - Third ; This could lead to the ultimate failure of an individual or house Fourth ; Oxford house members need ' each other' for support...Not a Czar figurehead. - Fifth ; This idea has already been tried before in Richmond,Va in 2006 and became highly unsuccessful. As a result there were house secessions from the within the Oxford movement. I know this because I was living in an Oxford House that did, indeed, exit the movement and became independently run with landlord approval. Still is in operation today. -Sincerely, R.Stone
Dear Delegates, My name is Seth Tomlin (chapter 6 oxfordhouse Housing service committee chair.) I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172! I have been in recovery for three years. Oxford house has been a part of my recovery for a year and a half of those three. We function well as a chapter here in Roanoke City and Salem and we are happy to be able to be self run and self supporting. Reasons being, that it’s the way the democratic process of each house works. We are able to sustain long term recovery by following the Oxford model which is built around no governing force. It’s simply one addict helping another. One human being who has seen so much suffering and came out on the other side still alive helping another that is just like them. To take away a self running system would be to destroy what’s been built by so many before who care about the lives of those that struggle with addiction. With Oxford holding leases it allows us to follow the model. Otherwise the lease holder would dictate the house. Not the model. This would go against everything that allows our houses to be democratic and follow rules and regulations that help to keep us safe and sober. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Seth.
Dear Delegates, My name is David H Blevins. I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses
I am an Oxford house resident and I urge you to oppose this bill as I am one of many men and women who benefit from the exposure provided in our house to essential life skills neglected while fighting addiction. All of us are personally invested in our recovery and are learning vital life skills and responsibilities,some of us for the first time in our lives. Financially this is a burden as well as the lack of personal investment in my recovery. My fear is that many virginians will fall back into the grips of addiction and end up back on the streets. One person lost is one to many. Thank you for your time.
Dear Delegates, My name is Eugene Lomnicki , I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172!
Dear Delegates, My name is David Blevins. I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses. I personally feel that the Oxford House design works very well for myself and others as we are self-sustaining and we hold each other accountable as opposed to an enforcer doing this. Thank you for your consideration. Kind Regards, David H Blevins
Please pass this bill in order to provide more structure and support to these houses. My dear friend passed away in one of these houses due to poor oversight. He really wanted to get better but with open opportunities to continue his addiction in this house how is that possible? No one checked on him for hours. It would really be helpful to give a proper management of the houses. From reading other comments, the vast majority are from northern VA which I think may have an impact on the environment of the house. I understand a lot of people have been saved from these houses. I don’t want them to close just improve.
Please protect our housing!
This will save lives
It is necessary to have individuals working in these facilities that are sober and able to provide the best living situation and to set them up for better success in their sobriety.
I’m writing this letter to express my happiness and joy with the progress that my grandson, Naquelle Clark, has made since being a participant in this program. It has had such a positive impact on his growth as a person and as a man. He went from not being able to see a bright future, to becoming a positive and productive member of society and embracing the fact that he was worthy of so much more. I truly believe that his positive transformation started with his residency in the Oxford House and has continued in this one as well, the Nauticus House where he presently resides. His journey has been filled with numerous ups and downs. Yet, with the benefits and support of his residency in Nauticus House, he has learned to flourish and grow in his journey to stay sober and continue to positively move forward in his life. I am so thankful for Nauticus House and the programs within for arming Naquelle with the support, benefits and encouragement that he needs to be the best person that he can be, and to live the life that he deserves. Sincerely, Shirley Clark
Dear Delegates, My name is ____Tracy Gates__________, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172!
Dear Delegates, My name is ___Bryanna___________, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172!
Plase pass this bill...these places need someone in charge that is NOT an addict...someone with their best interests at heart...someone capable of making the RIGHT decisions for those who can't right now...I lost a very loved close friend due to negligence at one of these places...I beg you...pass this bill!!
Dear Chairperson and Members of House Subcommittee #1,Health, Welfare and Institutions, I am writing today to state my opposition to HB1172 I am the parent of a recovered addict. The pain and anguish my wife and I suffered seeking help for our son who was an addict is indescribable. Watching him waste his life addicted to both drugs and alcohol was unbearable for both of us. We are now so proud of him as he has been in recovery and sober for more than 7 years now and works as a project engineer for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). We met with his counselors at the rehab center and they all recommended getting him into an Oxford House immediately upon exiting the rehab facility. We did, and we both credit Oxford with the main reason he has successfully recovered. We understand that HB1172 would impact the existence of Oxford houses which are located across the Commonwealth, and have supported the safe recovery of thousands of people in Virginia the past 47 years. The Oxford House system of operations is self-governed, without staff, and that is what makes it so successful. Through self-governance and following the Oxford House Charter and System of Operations, the houses are held to a high standard of quality operations and safety. The houses being self-run and self-supporting is critical to getting a greater level of investment in the house, the quality of the operations, the recovery of their fellow housemates, and their own recovery. Please do what's right and oppose this bill! As a proud parent of a recovered addict, I can't stress enough the great things that happen in Oxford!! Sincerely, Kenneth E. Aducci 2983 Maple Lake Road Powhatan Va, 23139 757-560-3053
Hello , My name is Brian Black and I am a recently new member to the Oxford House Family and I am saddened to hear that there is a possibility that Oxford could be facilitated by another company. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience so far with Oxford and I feel like a part of a family and im treated that way as well. I have a history of drug addiction however I am a working and productive member of society when sober and I have been for awhile. Oxford allows me the ability to go to work, be a responsible human being and practice sobriety , all in a way that doesn't leave me feeling like a criminal or delinquent the way that some other private ran organizations would make me feel. Taking the certification from Oxford house would leave a lot of wonderful hardworking people without the support system they've come to know and love. The fact that Oxford has a track record of helping and assisting addicts and alcoholics become human in their own eyes let alone the eyes of others is something that is extremely necessary in our society. Thank you for taking time to hear my feelings .
I am in support of this bill passing. My nephew was in a sober living home that was self-governed. The person "voted" in charge was paying my nephew in drugs and rent to be his drug runner. The VERY person who should have been his biggest supporter in recovery put drugs in his hands daily and shared them with other addicts in the home. My nephew died as a result of this person. As lawmakers, you are charged with creating and supporting laws that are in the best interest of the people. As with any business practice, or any law, there are checks and balances to verify that they are being enforced. The current manner in which these sober living houses operate does not allow for the proper checks and balances to be in place. Conflicts of interest are present when the person "voted" in charge by recovering addicts IS a recovering addict. The process can only work when there is an independent person who is employed with the responsibility for oversight of those needing help navigating the difficult process of recovery. Please pass this bill as so many lives depend on it.
I'm 62 years old and I enjoy living the Oxford way. I'm living sober and recovery for me is to make my next step out on my way. I oppose the bill.
I fervently support the passing of this bill. If this bill had been in place a few years ago, it would have saved my brother’s life. As a doctor who understands the complexities of mental health related illnesses and substance use disorders, I cannot begin to understand why a house set up for substance use disorder rehabilitation with strict rules and contracts involved wouldn’t require an objective, sober member to lead the house and enforce the requirements detailed in the housing contract. I also cannot begin to understand why a company requiring rehabilitation requirements would not be mandated to be certified and audited by state agencies like any other companies providing similar services/requirements. When my brother entered into Oxford House living, it was made very clear that there was a zero tolerance policy for breaking an part of the housing contract. He was told he would be required to attend >20 sobriety meetings each month, would have to pass random drug tests, and would be kicked out immediately if he relapsed. Despite these “requirements” my brother was never held to those standards because his own housemates had also relapsed and refused to enforce house policies to avoid their own demise. When my mother suspected my brother was struggling, she begged for the house leader to ensure he was attending meetings and drug test him, but her desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. I firmly believe if he was held to the requirements of the housing contract, he would be alive today. You see, addiction is a mental illness and asking a group of people freshly struggling with addiction and other mental health battles to maintain a sober living environment without the guidance of a sober counselor/leader is like putting a candy bar in front of a child and demanding they don’t eat it. It’s absolutely ridiculous to assume these poor men and women fighting these terrible battles have the capacity and willpower to overcome these struggles on their own with no accountability in an environment filled with illicit drugs. I am absolutely disgusted and disheartened by Oxford House’s lack of initiative in caring for these young men and women. They take advantage of those struggling immense battles with nowhere else to go and only value the paycheck each of these people equate to. Implementation of this bill offers accountability and hope for others struggling with addiction and in need of housing, sobriety, and an accountable figure in their life. It may be too late for my sweet brother, but it’s not too late for the millions of Americans currently struggling with addiction that could easily fall victim to Oxford House living. If this bill is not signed, millions of death certificates related to the irresponsible management of Oxford House living will be. I ask that you please consider this bill for all those who’ve lost their battle to substance use disorder living in Oxford Homes and for all those who we may lose in their continued Oxford Home environment. We have to do better for our fellow Virginians. They deserve better.
Dear Chairperson & Members of House Subcommittee #1, Health, Welfare & Institutions, I am a daughter of a woman in recovery who has been able to call An Oxford home her safe haven while recovering from addiction and I am opposed to HB1172. I wholeheartedly believe in the way that the Oxford houses are run currently. The fact that they are self-governed and run creates an environment that allows and promotes recovering addicts to gain independence and responsibility while they build their lives back up. My mother has struggled with her addiction my entire life and I truly believe without Oxford home and it’s current system of operations that she would not have seen 18 months of sobriety. Passing this bill would create an environment where recovering addicts would feel micromanaged or “institutionalized” and strip them of that independent recovery process that I truly believe is the reason that Oxford has such a high success rate. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider these words. I oppose bill HB1172!
There is no need for staffing at our Oxford House. We are here to continue living and learning to take that step on our own. I oppose that bill.
My understanding of Oxford House is for recovering addicts like myself to learn to live and thrive in recovery. That does not include staff members. Oford house has given me friends to associate with. I am working again and learning to manage my money, emotions, and life on my own. Why I oppose staff members. Thank
My son would be alive today if there were rules that these halfway /sober living houses. I run a home care company for the elderly and disabled and my policy and procedure manual for the state requirements took me months to write. Its 100's of documents. Yet one can enter the Oxford House and have no rules, no support and no recognition that this is a mental condition that is in the DSM-5 manual as a mental health disorder yet we allow homes to profit and have no rules or regulations. Shame on Virginia. Plus they get to certify themselves...isn't that a huge conflict of interest. If I certified my own company do you think I would.give my own self any deficiencies. This Is horrible and I won't stop until something is done to get help and support in these homes. How has this been allowed? Who in Virginia has allowed an agency to certify themselves? This is disgusting and these places should have 6 months to get paid staff in these facilities to support them. Noone wakes up wanting to be an addict.
We do not require staffing for an Oxford house now nor anytime in the foreseeable future.
I heard about this house bill from a friend today and I wanted to share a short story about my sister without putting all her business out there. Oxford House saved my sisters life. Why does the government think they know what is best for people in recovery? Our parents could not stop her from using and neither could anyone else until she was ready. Government should focus on getting rid of the drugs instead of getting involved with how they think a recovery home should run and by whom. Even now the government is passing laws regarding marijuana, and this is how it all began with her, just one joint lead her to harder drugs. Blaming an Oxford House for a death and thinking that if they put a paid staff in these houses this will stop the deaths from happening is delusional. Until we have no more drugs people will continue to die and that is a fact, we all must live with. We don’t live with this disease; we don’t have a clue the demons they fight every day. I watched her fight her demons daily with no luck for many years. Even getting on suboxone from her treatment center, then going to the clinic for her daily dose of methadone did not help her stop using. So, what our government thinks is the miracle medicine for addicts that is monitored by nurses did not work for her either. She could still go to the clinic daily and get high immediately after leaving the clinic. It was nothing but a money maker and she suffered longer because we were told by the professionals this was the way to go. My sister overdosed in our house and if it weren’t for the paramedics she would not be here. Our parents did not know what to do but call 911. To be honest I was glad she overdosed in our house and not on the street, we may have never known it. At least when she went to the Oxford House the house had Narcan and everyone was trained how to use it. She even gave one to my parents to keep at their house and showed them what to do if they ever needed it. For whatever reason the peer-to-peer support works for her and from what I know for thousands of other people in recovery. Our family is truly grateful for Oxford House. She has been clean now for 2 years which she has not been clean since she was 15 years old, and she is currently 34 years old. I met the ladies several times that she was living with, and they all care for each other very much and want the best for everyone. I realize not every addict will make it, but I also know from talking to my sister that if she wanted to use, she could, and no one can stop her. But for now, I have a loving sister that no longer calls herself an addict but a person in recovery. She is in recovery because of Oxford House, and we appreciate everything they have done to help her change her life.
I write to add my voice of support to HB1172. I was surprised that Oxford House does not already have a professional member of staff to provide an independent level of supervision to help protect residents and manage problems that might arise. I am Registered Nurse who has spent a good deal of her professional life in facilities where such supervision is a basic requirement for an acceptable level of care. It seems that a half-way house for recovering addicts should require the same. I fully support this bill.
We would be doing this state a huge disservice not to pass HB1172. Sober living facilities all over the Commonwealth are being run by addicts who have relapsed and are not in active recovery. I lost a loved one due to the negligence of one of these facilities, which was in no way shape or form a "sober" facility. Instead most of the tenants were using and participating in other illegal activities. The opioid/drug addiction rates are increasing daily everywhere, and it does not help at all that there is NO oversight of these so called "sober" facilities. We need serious reform in this area and I urge you to consider passing this bill.
I have been a resident of Oxford House for 6 years. During this time as a seasoned member I have been a part of making sure The Oxford Model and the house rules are strictly enforced. I have seen many women achieve long term sobriety, be reunited with children, fix their credit and even purchase their own homes. We do all this without staff. We do it because we believe in this program and we teach it to every newcomer. Oxford House is not a place for excuses, members must be involved in the operation of the house and decisions being made. Oxford House has been saving lives since 1975 based on this model. It is evidence based and wildly successful. To remove certification because we are peer driven goes against the recovery community's support and confidence in this method. Please vote No for HB 1172, peoples lives are at stake.
My name is Patrick Bunting. I have been a member of Old Dominion Oxford House in Roanoke VA for 2 and a half years. I am opposing this bill because from my understanding, the outcome of HB1172 could undermine the Oxford House model of democratic leadership and self sufficient recovery; ultimately forcing oxford houses statewide to shutter their doors. Without Oxford House, I would have had no place to safely work a program of recovery after I got clean May 21, 2019. Having other like minded males holding each other accountable for our recovery has been a staple of my program of recovery and a blessing in my life. Through the Oxford Model I have learned to be a responsible and productive member of society. Oxford house has given me a network, statewide and worldwide, of safe recovery homes and persons that I can count on as the foundation of my recovery. It is my hope that our governing bodies see fit to continue to support the Oxford House model of recovery residency, because addiction is a disease that if not arrested can be fatal. Recovering addicts need as many resources as available to stay surrendered to their disease, and learning to live the Oxford Model has done exactly that for this recovering addict. Godspeed
I moved into Oxford House last September and I don't know if I would have stayed sober without it. I had my own apartment when I came out of detox but I knew coming home alone would not be a good thing for me. I needed the support and the accountability of the other women. I needed the chance to get my head straight. I am required to attend meetings, have my meds counted, do chores, and perform duties to the house. It hasn't always been easy but its all a learning experience and its the best decision I ever made. I went through rehab with staff in an institution and this was the perfect step down for me. To have accountability while also my independence to make decisions, work, and be of help to my housemates. Please vote NO for HB 1172
I have personally been in institutions that were managed by staff. it failed for me. not until, I found Oxford House that I have been able maintain not only my sobriety, but also learning how to live life on life's terms. Oxford House has allowed me to further my career with my employment. I live in a home, not in a facility. I live as a family member, and not a client. My quality of life is much greater than it has ever been since getting sober. Im truly grateful for Oxford House. I wouldn't live in Oxford under staffing. Please vote no for HB 1172
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Kevin Shanahan and I have resided in an Oxford House for just over a year now. Oxford House has been around since 1975 and has helped countless addicts and alcoholics with its evidence based model of self run, self supporting recovery homes. In fact it is the only recovery residence model that is accepted by SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs. The fact that Oxford House is the only peer run recovery residence is what makes it so effective with helping people in recovery. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are both peer run recovery meetings and that is what makes them so effective! Passing this bill would mean that all recovery homes would need to have a staff member which would effectively get rid of what makes Oxford House so successful! It teaches us the necessary skills we need for when we are ready to transition out of recovery housing and into our own place. I have lived in other recovery residences other than Oxford House and have not found anywhere near the success I have had in Oxford House in those programs. I urge you to vote NO to HB1172 so that Oxford Houses model of self run recovery housing can stay alive and continue to help countless more people the same way they have been helping addicts and alcoholics since 1975!
My name is Susan Callahan and I am a member of Oxford House Pembroke. This has been a major turning point for me in my recovery. The house is providing me opportunities to help me make better decisions. I needed this type of structure and accountability that Oxford House offers. Mandatory AA meetings, chores, weekly house meetings and the 24 hour support that is provided by the other house members has made this a positive transition into my recovery. All house members are available at anytime to help any in way they can. Please vote NO for HB 1122.
To Who it May Concern: I currently reside at Oxford house Willow Woods. I am learning the traditions of Oxford house. After surviving addiction, homelessness, crisis and trauma the freedom and the structure of the houses seem fitting for a chance at recovery...as long as you are willing to do for yourself what no one else can do for you. Recover. Its not a such a battle with mandatory meetings for addiction recovery, encouragement from peer support possibly therapy as well as a relationship with other members of the house(s). I am finding that with positive outlook a desire to want more from life you will succeed. The Oxford house is detrimental for community growth. In my honest opinion. Thanks, the newcomer Christina Faye Quesenberry
My name is Tanya Woody and I just moved into Oxford House. Safe Harbor Recovery Center referred me. The women in the house are very supportive and even though there are a lot of rules and requirements, it iy saving my life. I already have a job and they help me with transportation. We attend meetings together and I am so grateful to be here. Please vote no for HB 1172
As a citizen of the Commonwealth, I write to add my voice of support to HB1172. I might note, in doing so, that many of the comments speaking against the bill appear to originate with a form letter that, one assumes, has been sent to various people by vested interests simply requesting that a name be attached. It is important to emphasize that the aim of this bill is not to close Oxford House houses or to deprive those in need of the services its premises offer; the aim of the bill is to bring a reasonable level of independent oversight to establishments under the Oxford House banner in the form of a professional directly responsible for monitoring residences who, currently, are overseen and monitored only by a recovering addict; at present, that person receives oversight only internally, by the organization itself, which constitutes a clear conflict of interests and reduced level of objectivity. Even with the best intentions, moreover, ex-addicts, however pure their intentions, are not in any position to offer an appropriate level of protection to residents, a point that is clear from the fact that residents have been lost to overdoses while living in Oxford House establishments. The stipulation stated in HB1172 would simply bring to Oxford House to same level of oversight as currently applies to other businesses and organizations where the health and well-being of clients is paramount. It would indeed take time for Oxford House to hire such individuals; there might well be some temporary loss of accreditation in some instances; and there would be financial adjustments required to pay for it. On balance, however, none of these claimed short-term drawbacks outweigh the long-term health and welfare of the residents for whom the organization ostensibly exists in the first place. I urge the House to pass the bill and to do so with a single voice and unanimous show of support.
Hello my name is Sarah Reed, I am writing to you on behalf of Oxford House Pembroke in Va Beach. I have been living in this house for about a year and a half. I have held several officer positions in my house as well as a chapter officer position. We operate democratically with everyone playing a part in the operation of the house. We learn skills such as paying bills, balancing a checkbook, and how to conduct a proper business meeting. We are required to follow rules, and hold each other accountable. Please vote "no" for HB 1172!
This bill needs to be passed to protect the vulnerable people that are trying to overcome addiction and need caring, dependable support that will promote accountability and protect them from returning to their addictive habits. I personally know a family who lost their young adult son from an accidental overdose at a Transitional house that he was sent to to help him. His mother’s concerns that he may be using drugs again were ignored by those that were supposed to be helping him. I have unfortunately heard of many other incidents like these. It is heartbreaking that these families that are searching for help do not get the support they need. Please pass this bill!
I’m writing to voice my support for this bill being passed. It’s appalling that so many of those so called ‘sober living’ homes are being run by addicts. People trying to beat their addictions and get clean and get their lives together need should be provided a structured environment by someone who is clean and responsible in a paid position who will be held accountable for their actions. I personally know of two young people that went to Oxford House sober living homes to beat their addictions only to be stolen from and living with a house full of addicts still actively using! The heads of these sober living homes need to constantly be tested themselves if they are to be relied upon to lead people to get clean and get their lives back on track. Please take this issue seriously and let’s get this bill passed! People’s lives literally depend on it!
Please consider this bill. Oxford houses are run by addicts, some only sober for 60 days. This I feel is a total breakdown in the system. It’s like the fox protecting the henhouse. These places are businesses , not only businesses but businesses responsible for peoples lives. Their business model does nothing to ensure the safety and well-being of these individuals that are struggling with mental disabilities. Addictive, if you are unaware, is listed in the DSM-5 as a mental health disorder. Imagine your doctor having no requirements to protect the health and safety of their the people that come to them. Oxford houses have no rules, only guidelines which are adopted by the individual house. Oxford House Inc. bears no responsible to each house. And the prices these addicts much pay each week is very high. The cost is $560 month just to share a room. Typical houses have 6 - 10 people in these small house. So 10 people for one of these small rundown houses would bring in well over $5000.00. What are these mentally Ill people getting for that??? My son died in one of these houses. Not only that they stole his wallet/money and everything of value he had, BEFORE they called 911. My son would still be alive today of this bill would have been in effect. Please support this bill to require a paid staff member to over see these houses and all other “sober” houses.
Dear Delegates, My name is Leo Howel, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of our amazing model. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172!
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
As a current Oxford House resident I would like to see HB 1172 defeated. oxford Houses have provide me with a safe secure place in which to live when I became homeless and began my journey into recovery. This Bill goes against how the Oxford Houses are set up to run and against the Oxford House Charter. The Oxford Houses can not meet the requirements of this Bill. Passing HB1172 would effectively shut down the Oxford House program sending thousands of currant residents to the streets and denying this life giving resource to thousands that would never have the opportunity to find a safe and secure place to find shelter and begin a new way of life through recovery. Please Defeat HB 1172 and give thousands a chance to live. Thank You
Hello, I am writing AGAINST HB1127. Oxford House is a great place for many friends to reside. The fentanyl crisis is getting really bad here in Hampton Roads and Oxford has given a second chance at life to many friends I grew up with who don't have parents to pay for their own apartment to get back on their feet. Please vote to keep open the best recovery house network in Virginia! Thank you, Chris Peck.
Hello, Oxford house means a lot to me, we have support from Outreach workers and they gave me a safe place to live and find a job and start practicing my recovery. The other addicts I live with all help me in my recovery and take me to meetings and Billy got me a job doing yard work where I operate a lawnmower and leaf blower, although lately we have been laying down salt for businesses and helping clear snow. If it wasn't for Oxford I would be homeless and on the streets in Portsmouth. Today I am grateful for a warm bed to sleep in, and a second chance at life. Please don't pass this bill! Sincerely, Charles
Hello Chairman and members of the committee, My name is Travis and I am a current member of a certified recovery residence in Lynchburg. I have resided in an Oxford House since May of 2018. Oxford Houses model of operation does not have a live in house manager. With that members like myself learn to do things on our own with guidance of others in houses in the area. Evidence shows that recovery residences that are peer driven have higher abstinent rates than ones who do most times and I am walking proof of that. To require a certified recovery residence to have a house manager would ultimately hurt models like Oxford House where the sole purpose is to grow by doing things as an adult on your own. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
To whom it may concern, My name is Anthony Aducci, and I moved into Lake Smith Oxford House on November 16th, 2014. I’m taking the time to write to you today because I want to express how important Oxford House is to me and my recovery. Because of the Oxford model, I have been able to learn responsibility, accountability, autonomy, and learned how to make good decisions for myself. This allowed me to integrate back into the community and become a functioning member of society because I had to learn to do it in the beginning. Since 1975, over 3,000 Oxford Houses have successfully provided a safe place for drugs addicts and alcoholics to go when they begin the journey of recovery. Below are some facts about the Oxford houses here in Virginia. - 158 houses currently open and active for addicts and alcoholics seeking recovery. - 1,302 members currently reside in these houses. - Oxford House provides the best second chance with a proven 87% success rate. - Each member required to work at least 20 hours a week, volunteer 20 hours a week, or attend school 20 hours a week. Oxford House of Virginia is the only residence that provides housing all across the state of Virginia in urban and rural areas alike, with an ambitious mind to continue expanding to those hard-to-reach rural areas where addicts and alcoholics have even less of a chance of recovery if they seek it. Please know that passing HB1127 will not only destroy over thousand lives, it will have an effect on their families and the communities they live in as well. Please vote no for HB 1172
Please vote NO to HB1172. My name is Brittany Walkinshaw and I live in the Piccadilly Place Oxford House in Winchester, Virginia. In February 2021, Oxford saved my life. It provided a safe, healthy, and affordable place to live when I was coming out of my addiction. At Oxford I have been able to get back on my feet, focus on my recovery, and learn how to live life as a functioning adult again. I could not do this on my own or living with my family, I tried and failed. Living under Oxford’s rules I have been held accountable for my actions and have learned to take on responsibilities that running a household requires. This is only because Oxford Houses are self-run by the members who live in them. My housemates and I are responsible for making sure the rent and bills are paid. We are also responsible for holding each other accountable in staying clean and healthy. If this bill were to pass it would change the entire dynamic of every Oxford House and take away the responsibilities that many of us need to learn in order to learn to live life again.
Dear Delegates, My name is Adam Eastham, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses
Please vote no to HB1172. I have attached my letter.
I am really wanting you all not to pass this bill because Oxford House gives me a place to live at a price I can afford on disability it gives me stability Oxford House I would be homeless and if the bill does pass that means I rent would go up and I would be homeless again and I am doing very well I enjoy living in the Oxford House we have meetings once a week for our house and we have committee meetings and everything So please do not pass this bill I in begging you
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Lee Akers, and I am currently a member of Oxford House Chester in North Chesterfield, VA. I am here today to speak against bill HB1172 and to why I think Oxford House should remain a certifying body of recovery residences. What I like most about Oxford House and what I think makes Oxford House so successful is the democratic process that the houses use in order to keep the house operational. This gives myself and all people involved a sense of ownership and accomplishment when we see our house thrive and continue to do well for so long. I have been a member of this house since September of 2017 and have seen this house make amazing strides when it comes to helping people stay sober. Another point that I like about Oxford House is there is no time limit for me to stay here. As long as I pay my rent and follow the rules, I can stay here until I am absolutely ready and comfortable to live on my own. The self-run, self-supporting part of Oxford Houses teaches so many people these necessary skills, so that when they are ready to live on their own, they can do so without worry and fear. There are many practices in place that ensure each house runs based off the Oxford House model and each house follows the rules set in place. One of these practices is monthly chapter meetings were all houses in the area get together to talk about how they are doing and if they have any problems. I am a chapter officer because I owe so much of what I have to Oxford House so I do as much as I possibly can to give back to this organization. The environment that Oxford House offers its members is like no other. It is a safe, secure, sober environment for all of us to come home to without worry. This is also another great motivator for us to hold each other accountable and to follow the rules. In conclusion, please vote NO to bill HB277 and please allow Oxford House to continue to offer myself and so many others this amazing space to recover in. Thank you, Lee Akers Oxford House Chester and Oxford Houses of VA Chapter 3 Chairperson
My name is Donna George. I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, well-researched and evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. I speak from firsthand knowledge about this because my sister is one of them. She has been not only recovering but thriving since she began living in one of the Oxford Houses, as I believe it provides her with all the elements of home and transition that she needs at this point in her life. We grew up in a large family (2 parents and 8 kids), and living alone has proven to be a tough transition for those of us who have had to do it, including my sister after she came out of rehab. Living with others is a great option for her right now as she learns to manage emotions in a sober state around others who are doing the same. Because the recovery residence is unstaffed she is able to learn how to practice her recovery tools not from an imperative, but from the responsibility she feels to her herself, her Oxford family, and her family outside of Oxford. The peer-run home mirrors the way alcoholics helped each other during the early days of AA, when the miracle that has saved so many lives was born. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would completely undermine the most important aspect of the amazing model that is working so well for my sister and so many others. Please consider keeping the statewide network of Oxford Houses, so that Virginians can continue to thrive and transition, when ready, to living their meaningful and productive lives beyond Oxford Houses. My strong belief, based on what I know about recovery, including my own experience with being in recovery, is that no staff or rules and regulations are going to improve rates of recovery. (Most of us addicts tend to want to rebel against them). Instead, when people truly want to recover, the support of others and the kind of love and kinship found in Oxford Houses are what can really make the difference. It has for my sister, and I am grateful. Please vote no for HB1172 Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request, Donna George
To whom it may concern, My name is Nicolette Reed; I am the oldest sister of Sarah Reed. Two years ago, I planned to write my sister's obituary, but instead I am writing today to share how Oxford saved my sister's life. First, I would like to provide some background to help you understand our struggle with addiction. Sarah and I come from a loving family who often turned a blind eye to substance abuse. We were exposed to trauma early in life and were not taught or exposed to healthy coping mechanisms. I found comfort in alcohol, while Sarah found comfort in opioids. If you have never abused a substance, you can't possibly understand how quickly it grabs ahold of your life. Once you experience being pain-free if only for a moment, you crave it with every cell in your body. Most people cannot fight addiction on their own. It takes the personal desire to change, deliberate intent to face pain, a strong support system, and accountability. Otherwise, an addict will find a way to use, and it won't matter where they are or who they are around. Who is to blame when addiction takes a life? I believe there is no one person to blame, not one moment or one experience. The fault is not on the user or the family, and the responsibility certainly does not fall on Oxford. I believe society is to blame. Those who struggle with their mental health are often embarrassed, ashamed, and unable to seek help. At a very early age, society teaches us to put others and their comfort first. Instead, we need to prioritize ourselves and our mental health. We need to breed an environment that acknowledges addiction and holds society accountable for being part of the problem. The Oxford program provides recovering addicts the opportunity to be self-accountable while surrounded by peers who can provide support - addicts helping addicts. Rules established by the house build trust and protect everyone's sobriety. The decision to use while participating in this program is the addicts and the addicts alone. Here is a list of things that contributed to my sister's addiction: - Childhood trauma - Lack of family support/understanding - Drug dealers - Self Here is a list of things that have made it possible for her recovery: - Higher Power - Oxford - Self A person's choice to use or not to use is theirs and theirs alone. Without programs like Oxford, there would be no hope for the person choosing recovery. I lost my sister, the person, to heroin over ten years ago. Oxford gave her a safe space to recover, which is why the sister I know, and love is still alive. My sister lost herself in active addiction for over ten years. Oxford gave her back to us by providing her with the structure and support needed for her continued recovery. Sincerely, Nicolette Reed In loving memory: Matt Lawson– heroin overdose at home with his parents sleeping in the next room
To whom it may concern, I am Raymond T. Barnes, the Division Head of Peer Services for the City of Norfolk. I come to you not in that capacity but in my everyday capacity of a recovering addict with 16 years of recovery. To many like myself and others that come from where I have and some whom have also traveled the road of a recovery path, places like the Oxford House and VARR are the very best option for us to continue on that road. Also there are those of us who need what the Oxford House and places like it can provide in the way of self confidence, a very supportive system, self reliance and the chance to do all of that with people like us who have been there, is still there and who want to give back in a way that only we can. The entire model and Standards of Operation of a Oxford House are built on peer driven beliefs. Having paid staff in any of the houses goes against any model of the Peer driven staff in every way possible. So, I am in total and unwavering support of all Oxford House being used as a mean of continuing into a positive recovery lifestyle. Ps. On a side note, I have place many recovering SA and MH participants in various Ps. On a side note, I have place many recovering SA and MH participants in various Oxford Houses in my region, which is region 5 Virginia. Thank You Kindly.
Vote no to HB1172. See my letter attached.
My name Ronald L. Weeks and I am writing to you on behalf of my family in support of Oxford House. My oldest daughter spent many years in active addiction. She destroyed her life and devastated ours. When she was 30 years old our family started a fund to pay for a cemetery plot and a funeral costs. There was no doubt in my mind that I would outlive my child. We tried everything, multiple stays in rehab facilities, detox, and managed sober living, nothing worked. Eight years ago her son got her into an 8 day detox and they recommended Oxford House. She has remained clean and sober every day since. In Oxford House our daughter was required to participate in the operation of the house. She was held accountable by the other women living there, many with more experience. She was surrounded by people who didn't accept her excuses, lies and manipulation. They were all too familiar with addict behavior. When she became a part of her house family they were able to do what her real family, professionals and experts could not. She has gained self esteem and credits this to Oxford House. She lives a life that she is proud of today. There are so many families who are suffering like we did , looking for solutions. My wife and I have many friends who have children and grandchildren who are caught up in addiction. We tell them two things, detox or treatment and straight into an Oxford House. The fact that Oxford House is self run and self supporting is exactly what makes it effective. I cannot think of one single reason to pass a bill that would remove this resource from our communities. The fallout of that decision would cost lives. I implore you to vote No for HB1172
Please vote no to HB1172. See attached letter.
To: Senator or Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly 2022 RE: Oxford Houses of Virginia Dear Sir or Madam, I am a person in long term recovery from addiction that utilized an Oxford House to provide me a solid footing for rebuilding my life into a respectable condition. Addiction is an insidious disease that impacts people from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. It know no boundaries as to the types of people it effects. When I recognized that I needed help in dealing with addiction my first step was to admit myself to a treatment center in Nunnelly, Tn. It was known as “The Ranch”. I spent 10 weeks there and upon leaving I was told to go to 90 meetings in 90 days and get into an Oxford House. My family didn’t want anything to do with me and therefore I had nowhere to go and live. When I returned to Richmond in January 2008, I was able to get into an Oxford House near what was then the State Fairgrounds. The members there offered me acceptance and understanding. The system of operations helped me personally grow as each house manages its financial affairs and enforces rules that helps members once again become accountable for their actions. Thanks to the FMLA act, I was able to return to my job as an assistant professor at my community college. Since that time the disciplined structure of my Oxford House allowed me to recover from addiction and never look back. I was so grateful that Oxford House was there for me when I didn’t have anywhere to go that I started volunteering to support the Oxford House of Virginia. I have served many positions in the organization. The most rewarding of those was serving a Chairman of the Oxford Houses of Virginia State Association. A board comprised of approximately 35 volunteers and a few Outreach workers. We support all Oxford Houses in Virginia with training and opportunities for service. I also help the houses in Richmond with operations and training. It has been a rewarding part of my life to give back and see others find happiness and wellbeing away from addiction. I was able to restore the relationship with my children, excel at work and become a better person. I will be forever grateful for Oxford House and its system of operations. If one follows the rules and procedures of Oxford House lives will change and residents will become self-supporting, law abiding members of society. Oxford House was a ”game changer” for me. And to consider their demise would be a travesty of epic proportions. Please vote against any proposed changes to the Oxford Houses of Virginia. Sincerely, A. Sidney Bass, III CPE Program Head, Architecture and Engineering Technology Reynolds Community College Past Chairman, Oxford Houses of Virginia State Association Alumni Board Member, Oxford Houses of Virginia Chapter 3 (Richmond) Alumni Chairman
This wouldn’t help the Oxford house we have a standard that we live by and having someone living our house that would be paid would take up a bed in our and make it harder then it already it is to pay bill because that wouldn’t be paying EES and they wouldn’t understand us they would be trying to make uneasy to live and honestly it would hurt more then it would help
I oppose this bill moving forward. As a recovering addict and oxford alumni I can testify to how important the need for affordable/ accountable housing for the community. I am now a peer recovery specialist who is employed by a local treatment center. None of this would have been possible for myself if I hadn't had a safe , affordable , and accountable place to live. I was able to start putting my life together while living in an environment of recovery provided to me at an oxford house. . Being able to tell those that come to the facility ( rehab) that when they discharge they can find a safe place to stay instills hope that they too can change their life around.
I have been residing at Oxford House - Hunter Street since August 2016. It has helped with me with maintaining my sobriety, the house rules that we enforce hold me accountable for my actions and gives me a safe place to live. It is an amazing organization and without it I don’t know where I would be today. I count myself extremely fortunate to be part of the Oxford House family. I what others to have the same opportunity to change their life. Oxford House saves lives. NO TO HB1172.
I was recently incarcerated for Five years , and Oxford House has given me a chance to get back on my feet , my second chance !
I would like to share my story with you. I am a sober 49 year old female attorney who was living in my car for 6 months during Covid. I felt safer in my car than being in a shelter where there are drunks and addicted people. I have PTSD from rape and assault. People who drink and use are very triggering for me. I was accepted into a woman’s Oxford House where I could be safe with other sober women. It was in Oxford that I had enough safety and space that I could seek medical care and counseling. I owe my survival to Oxford Houses of Northern Virginia. They gave me a safe space to breathe.
Oxford house has given me my life back , in other words saved my life ! Before coming here I was homeless, and even suicidal , they welcomed me with open arms , this is my family, a family I never had ! I've been clean a year now , with Oxford house being the foundation of my network !
Oxford has saved my life. I couldn't maintain my sobriety until I came to Oxford. Living with people who help hold each other accountable has helped me become a responsible person and take responsibility for my actions. This is because of the model we follow Thanks to Oxford I am rebuilding my life back. I say NO to this bill.
As someone who has had vast experience in the recovery and addiction world, I KNOW how important an oxford house can be for someone's recovery. Too often, we see people--our friends and love ones--go back to their previous living situation, and they end up falling back into a relapse, or they die. I'm not being dramatic. If you knew a third of the people that have relapsed and died because they wasn't access to an oxford house, you would NEVER consider passing this bill. As an addict, I know that my first tendency is to buck at authority. I push back and I will cut off my nose to spite my face-EVERY TIME. Oxford houses work for people like me because it is literally "a jury of my own peers," for lack of a better phrase. I am 100% more likely to listen to a group of women (in my case) who AREN'T being paid to live with me. They have no agenda or ulterior motive. Why would I listen to someone whose main goal is to enforce rules? I needed to be able to stretch my wings as I discovered who I was without the drugs and alcohol, and that is something that an oxford house provides. I cannot stress this enough, that without the many oxford houses throughout Virginia, you will end up losing so many people to their addictions. People won't feel comfortable if there is someone lording over them, they won't live in these recovery houses like they live in an oxford house.
Through the years I had tried to stay sober but always failed. I entered my first Oxford House in 2019 in Northern Virginia. I have been sober now for 3 years. Oxford House has saved my life! Without these Oxford Houses and the model we follow that has proven it has worked so many, the house rules and the accountability we hold each other to is why I am still here today. SAY NO TO HB1172.
I have lived in Oxford House Birdie for a year now and this place has changed my life! For the first time ever I've stayed clean longer then a couple of months and I owe it all to Oxford and their accountability as well as helping me learn to be self sufficient. I've also had the same job since I've moved here and have been recognized and promoted. Oxford has helped mold me into the person I used to wish to be. And now I am living my dream, sober and happy.
Having a viable sober living housing option in my early recovery, such as an Oxford House, was instrumental to my success in a new healthy lifestyle. I am 14 years sober and my first 6 months was residing at an Oxford House following a recovery center in Winchester. I am grateful for my Oxford experience which helped me to be accountable for myself and to help others in their accountability as well. I would oppose anything that would be detrimental to Oxford as it exists today.
I have lived in a Oxford house since getting out of "A New Beginning", a residential treatment facility. I believe that you need to transition back into life ,learning how to live life soberly, Its' not suppose to be like a correction facility. It's purpose is to give the individual personal responsibility and Oxford House - Annandale does that for me. Holding me accountable and learning to hold others accountable will help me in life. Please help us keep our recovery home and vote NO TO HB1172.
I would like to personally give my testimony! If it weren't for Oxford House Serenity Park Women's and Children's Home in Winchester , VA . I don't know where myself or my 2 year old daughter would be. I've struggled with addiction issues off and on for 25 plus years. I was introduced to the Oxford Model in 2014 for the first time an fell in love with it. These homes provide a safe clean environment for addicts seeking recovery. The model teaches us how to be accountable for ourselves and each other It teaches us how to pay bills, for some of us it's the the first real thing to be proud of. We keep our home and rooms clean, we often have family night where we cook dinner for the whole house and talk about our week. We learn for the first time what it's like to have someone who cares. We don't allow each other to fall and slip through the cracks. We build each other up. Another addict can truly understand and help another addict. Yes it's very likely someone will relapse in a Oxford House however the model helps members hold each other accountable. It's not always a revolving door. Different people every couple weeks. We actually rebuild our lives inside the walls of these homes something we had long thought wasn't possible. If it weren't for Serenity I don't think I would have had the second chance I did with my baby. I found hope with my fellow roommates, if I'm having a bad day I have several women to talk to. Im not ALONE! Many of us have burnt bridges with loved ones and these home's give us a second family in a sense. It's affordable and it's a step in the right direction thats needed to rebuild our lives. I'm going into my 80th day clean/sober and I owe it to Oxford House Serenity Park, my roommates for calling me on my behaviors that woukd typically lead me back out to relapse if left alone to my own vices. My first time around eventually helped move into my own place I became a productive member of society and stayed sober/clean for a few years. I relapsed shortly after my child was born and decided after rehab that Serenity would be a great opportunity for me an my daughter. Having that extra hand to help with her if needed, someone to ask me if everything is okay, help me learn how to slow down and learn the basics again. This home has given me a new out look on life again. It's building up the parts of me that I had lost along with working my 12 step program I owe my life to the Oxford Model. This home and countless others across Virginia help addict who need a second, third sometimes forth chance to just get it right.
Hello, my name is Travis. I am a residing member at Oxford House - Kyber in Lynchburg Virginia. I am a person in long term recovery, my clean date is June 15, 2017. Oxford House and it’s strict model of operation as a recovery residence paired with members as peers running the house I originally started in set the standard for myself in a safe and sober home. Since moving into the first house, I have moved 6 times to help open Oxford Houses in Virginia. Oxford Houses model has taught me how to have a checking account, how to live as an adult, how to manage everyday situations, as well as how to be a functioning member in society. Oxford Houses model of operation gives members the ability to make decisions together as a group. As a house, we all pay our house bills… learning how to pay utility bills and rent to a landlord. The Oxford House model of operation was created in 1975 to allow persons wanting long term recovery to have a safe place to do so. The model of operations is one that makes safety and security in sobriety a number one priority. This bill ultimately will take away beds for potential recovering addicts and alcoholics in the state of Virginia forever. Also not allowing referral agencies the ability to refer clients to safe and sober recovery homes like Oxford House. Capping the bed count to eight would hinder homes in areas like Northern Virginia, where the only options are Oxford Houses. In closing, evidence shows that the model performs well today, just as well as it did in 1975 when it was created. Recovery residences are needed, why potentially abolish 75% of the beds in the state?
The Oxford House Has saved my life and gives me a place to live and be held accountable for my actions.
To Whom It May Concern: As the Owner of Community Solutions, a licensed ASAM 3.1 residential program (Clinically Managed Low Intensity Residential Service) in Hampton Roads, I am writing in support of the services offered by the Oxford Houses operated in Hampton Roads. For the past 3 years our program has referred several of our program graduates to a variety of Oxford Houses in this area. The Oxford House community has proven to be an excellent resource for clients new to sobriety who can benefit from a supportive and structured environment. These homes provide residents with the opportunity to get back on their feet economically and emotionally and gain traction in their recovery. All of our referred clients report that Oxford representatives are customer friendly and welcoming to the new house. The additional feedback we receive is that these residences provide a safe and optimal environment to make new friends, avoid isolation and live with peers who have experienced similar challenges. It is also affordable for individuals who enter the home with severe economic challenges. The fact that residents are required to attend 4-5 AA or NA meetings per week when living in the program is an additional benefit for newly recovering individuals. In one instance one of our graduates became the House President of his Oxford House and he reported great satisfaction in carrying out the required duties associated with that position. I've had the opportunity to interact and get to know administrative personnel from both the male and female homes and I was impressed by their commitment to the house residents and their passion for the work they do. It is my observation based on numerous conversations with residents that living in an Oxford House offers residents an excellent opportunity to live a sober and rewarding lifestyle while establishing healthy relationships with fellow residents. Community Solutions will continue to work closely with Oxford Houses to build on our existing constructive partnership.
Oxford House has been a proven success model since 1975 when members of a Managed house found out their house was closing and they decided they can run it themselves, here we are 47 years later, and still have one of the most successful worldwide organizations, Oxford house has helped Millions, with plenty of success stories. Not only In Virginia, but worldwide. If it isn't broke why try to fix it? I have been a member of Oxford House since 2020, In my late 30s starting over, I was successful and of good earning capacity before Oxford, but I had a problem with alcohol, and it cost me everything. Years of irresponsibility led me to a Rehabilitation center with nowhere to go. Oxford took a chance on me. But it didn't come without expectations, instead of being like an unconditional girlfriend who would take care of me in my ill mannered ways. I was held to standards of living to include paying my own way, cleaning up after myself, maintaining my living space, and most importantly, being supportive of my live in peers. and maintaining sobriety because the results would be detrimental if I did not. Oxford House also teaches responsibility, maturity and accountability to the recovering addict who may never had had those experiences before, such as managing a checkbook, handling money and being trusted by your peers. Holding others accountable as well as yourself. It prepares you for life beyond the sober living environment. While you look at the bright side of this bill, Someone will get their benefit from it, a corporation, who pays individuals to micromanage houses. Which will be detrimental in many ways. Individuals will grow frustrated and leave managed houses long before their ready, leading to relapses, incarceration or even death. It will also discourage recovering addicts and alcoholics to stay in this community and flee to other states where democratically run houses are permitted. Oxford house is in 48 states. Worst of all it will destroy the recovery community that VA has created and leave recovering addicts with no choice but to go elsewhere for support. While the merit behind the bill is understanding the results of the bill will be devastating
My name is Christopher Rider and the Oxford house has saved my life. It also lets you feel how real life works because there is no manager to govern how you live your life. Without a manager it really lets you live life like a regular person so you can make the transition from being in treatment to being on your own. If I wanted to be critiqued on every little thing I do then I would go to an in-house treatment program. I have 117 days sober and I owe most of it to Oxford. Sincerely, Christopher Rider
Hello Representative My Name is John and I am a recovering Alcoholic and a resident of an Oxford House in Northern Virginia. Being a member of an Oxford House has truly given me my dignity as a contributing member of my Oxford House. The Oxford House mode in essence is about having a voice in how things are done to keep the house I live in going. We interview and accept who comes into the house and if a relapse occurs house members have a meeting and vote to expel the member. The model has proven with a lot of supportive data to be working since 1975. I beg you to listen to the members of Oxford House who will testify that being a self supporting member of an Oxford House has provided a path to a lasting sobriety . Thank you John McCormack VSA Chair Chapter 1 Treasurer O.H. Fairhill Fairfax VA
My name is Christopher Rider and the Oxford house has saved my life. It also lets you feel how real life works because there is no manager to govern how you live your life. Without a manager it really lets you live life like a regular person so you can make the transition from being in treatment to being on your own. If I wanted to be critiqued on every little thing I do then I would go to an in-house treatment program. I have 117 days sober and I owe most of it to Oxford. Sincerely, Christopher Rider
Dear chairman and members of the committee, I am opposed to this bill because it goes against the traditions and very basis of the Oxford House model. Oxford House is a self supporting, autonomous, self ran household. Oxford works because it is ran by peers in a democratic fashion. To require all certified recovery houses to have a live in or off-site house manager would go against what makes Oxford House so successful. Oxford not only helps us maintain our sobriety, it teaches us people how to get their lives back. Simple things like budgeting and maintaining a household are taboo to the using addict. Because of Oxford, these are things we are learning, possibly even for the first time. It is imperative to be able to make decisions without someone telling you what to do. I AM OPPOSED TO HB1172
I am a very grateful recovering addict and would not have the opportunities I have if it wasn't for the Oxford House organization I've met incredible friends lifelong friends and it's been a wonderful experience being in a home with people that are going through the same struggles as myself. Please do not pass this bill as I believe it will do a large disservice to recovering addicts and alcoholics everywhere. In this day and age we need all the help we can get. Oxford houses provide a platform for many people to get back on their feet. Not to be over dramatic but it probably saved my life. Please do not pass this bill I believe it will do more harm than good
Oxford House has given me many opportunities, But Most importantly it has saved my life. While I have experienced work with Oxford House and performed duties on many committees, Been to many Oxford Conventions, I can say I have seen and heard many success stories from Oxford House including my own. I came to Oxford from Detox, nowhere to go, no money in my pocket, no job, no real friends. and the clothes on my back. It was a humbling fresh start. As I grew with the house, I grew to make friends in the NA/AA Program, who guided me on my road back, In the years I have been involved with Oxford, I have seen many success stories as well. Men & Women Starting over to go on and leave the nest, become successful in their own life endeavors, some started families, some have amazing careers but all of them will tell you, None of them could have done it without Oxford. The rules are simple: Don't Use, Drugs or Drink Alcohol, Pay your own way, Respect your fellow man, and Clean Up after yourself. While most people will say that sounds simple enough, for a recovering drug addict or alcoholic it may seem to be a challenge. But we have each other to remind each other of simple things like that until it becomes second nature. Putting in a "House Manager'' does take away from the spirit of learning to live life on your terms, learning to be responsible for yourself, and holding yourself to a higher standard than you would have if you have someone breathing down your neck. House Managers remind people of Rehabilitation Centers, or Detox Facilities, which will discourage members from heading into an Oxford House, often encouraging them to head to other places which will lead to a dead end. Vote No.
My sobriety date is October 23, 2015. I have been living at Hunter Street oxford House since January 17, 2016. Oxford house helped change my life and helped me have a safe place to live amongst other people in recovery also trying to stay sober. I was a heroin addict and although I had a friend letting me stay at his house I chose to move into Oxford because of the structure it offered while it also allowed me the freedom to live independently as opposed to living in a managed treatment center. I love the women I live with and have not felt lonely since moving into Oxford. Living here has provided me structure and helped me learn how to regain my life and be a productive member of society. I have been able to maintain the same job for 5 years and am now looking to return to school. Most importantly the house I live in makes me feel safe. I do not know where I would be without oxford.
Oxford houses has given me a safe place to get back on my feet when I returned to the community from a state corrections facility. I am overjoyed with the camaraderie I have with my housemates and the community chapter I am a part of. Oxford homes keep a roof over my head, A safe place to live, accountability for my actions or lack thereof and a place to grow.
I have resided at Hunter Street since August 2016. I have been able to not only been able to maintain my sobriety, maintained a steady income, and learned how to accept constructive criticism. I count myself extremely fortunate yo be part of the oxford house family.
My name is Dominic Walter. I’m 21 years old, and I’ve been an active member at Oxford House Kyber in Lynchburg, Virginia for over 4 months. Prior to my acceptance as a member, the environment I was living in did not offer the structure, nor the accountability necessary for me to remain abstinent long enough to fulfill my responsibilities. When the day came that I realized I had nowhere else to go and that I was tired of living in the cycle of hurting myself and others as a result of my active drug use, I looked into Oxford house as an alternative. Through managing house funds as the treasurer, maintaining the living space shared by the other members, and building relationships with other people involved within the recovery community, I’ve managed to mature significantly during the past months. These changes would not have been possible without the people in this house supporting me and holding me responsible for my actions. What makes an Oxford house successful are the people in it. Being democratically ran, we all have an equal chance to assume the responsibilities that come with living without the use of drugs or alcohol. The thing that we all share is an understanding of what it’s like to be in active addiction. Being a peer driven model, the people I live and communicate with are more apt than others to notice behavioral patterns indicating relapse, or risk of it. That is something I have come to deeply rely on in addition to my involvement in 12-step recovery groups.
There is no doubt in my mind that Oxford House has been essential, critical, and a foundation for my recovery. Not only is it a safe and stable environment, Oxford House provides a platform for me to work with other alcoholics in the most direct way which in turn helps me to be sober. I cant thank them enough for my future as a recovering alcoholic !!!
There is no doubt in my mind that Oxford House has been essential, critical, and a foundation for my recovery. Not only is it a safe and stable environment, Oxford House provides a platform for me to work with other alcoholics in the most direct way which in turn helps me to be sober. I cant thank them enough for my future as a recovering alcoholic !!!
To Whom it may concern: Hello, my name is Zekan Maddox. I live at Oxford house Beau Lane in Fairfax, Virginia. I have lived at Beau lane for 2+ years now and it's given me a safe, structured environment in which to turn my life around and to practice responsibility, to grow into a responsible, thoughtful, mindful, caring, compassionate human being, where I put the safety, health and needs of the group first. I'm in active recovery from drugs and alcohol, meaning that I've committed myself to it. I understand that there have been times within Oxford that individuals have died due to relapse but I would be willing to bet everything that I'll ever have that the odds for people to succeed in recovery are better with Oxford than without it. What I really want to say is that in my opinion, recovery is possible as long as one commits to it. That means committing to the Oxford model, meaning that first things first, we don't use or drink, no matter what, that is also the commitment within any of the 12 steps programs as well. Part of why Oxford is so successful is because it's run by Us, the residents, if it were run independently, outside of the resident run structure, I don't know that I personally would be sober for 2+ years. It was up to me, it is up to me to be responsible, to do my chores and my job inside of the house, to be a role model for the other residents here, it is up to me to go to meetings, to work my program, it is up to me to be a part of the society at-large outside of Oxford and to be that representative that the model works. I'm proud that it's up to me and I know that in conversations with other men here at Beau Lane along with others that I've spoken to about this subject that personal responsibility and accountability are paramount for success. In my opinion, Oxford needs to remain a safe and structured environment where that safety and that structure originates with the individuals that live in any particular house and needs to remain with the individuals of that house. I'm very sorry that some of us don't/won't have to opportunity to live a life of successful sobriety, that's very sad but at the end of the day, for those that don't/won't are the only reason that they don't/won't. We are here for one another as much as we can be in a healthy and productive manner, but we are a place where growth takes place, and growth isn't always comfortable, it's definitely not easy and it's definitely not always immediate but it happens here, but only if the individual is ready to do the work and ready to commit. Please allow us to continue to grow by our tried and true proven model that works when it's implemented. We are not a rehabilitation facility and we shouldn't be run as such. We are as we have always been, self run, self supporting and self managed. That's an important part of who we are and what we do within Oxford. Thank You, Zekan A. Maddox Oxford House Beau Lane
I quit drinking many times in the past. I’d stay sober for 1, 3 and 9 months. Once or twice even managed to stay sober for a year. I always went back to drinking at some point. I went to jails, mental institutions, inpatient recovery programs, and every time I wanted to stay stopped more than anything in life. When I got sober this time I went to the Mens Home for 30 days and then to an Oxford House. That was in 2004, and I’ve been sober ever since and still live in an Oxford House today. This house is both my home and a very large part of my recovery from alcoholism. I would have been dead years ago had it not been for Oxford House.
I am very grateful for Oxford House(s)! When I was released from residential rehab in 2019, I was unable to go home. My Husband had a court order naming Him soul custodian of our son and soul occupant of our home in Arlington, va. I was quickly accepted into an Oxford House without a problem. I would have been homeless!! Since then, the divorce has been finalized, we share custody of our son and have a decent relationship with one another while we co-parent our 7 year old son.
Please vote no to HB1172. My thoughts about Oxford House living is that it is an effective way for a group of peers to live clean and sober lives. We support each other in our recovery. We run the house through weekly business meetings with jobs like Treasurer and Secretary. We are forced to take responsibility for our own lives without some type of manager being in charge.The peer support works well, and we all have equal say in the running of the house and keeping each other accountable. I have been in Oxford since June of 2020, and I have been sober since October 16. 1994.
Good morning Chairman and members of the committee, My name is Juanita Williams and I've been living in Oxford House Mountain Road for six months now. I love it here and I love that Oxford House is a self-run, self-supporting recovery residence. They opened their doors to me when I was living in a hotel and not doing so well. For that I will be forever grateful. I need this recovery housing program! It has taught me that sobriety is an amazing second chance at life. This is an awesome program and place for a recovering addict like myself. Living here lets me be a part of something larger than myself. Oxford House has given me skills to take with me into the world and into the work force that I never had before thanks to their system of operations. They have taught me how to be able to live on my own responsibly and safe. I love being part of a self supporting house because I can be a part of making every decision with other ladies that live in my house with me. Taking away Oxford House's ability to certify recovery residences would hurt my program of recovery and take away the chance for so many people in the future to experience all the good that Oxford House has to offer. Thank you Oxford House for being there for me and so many other people in recovery. Juanita Williams Oxford House Mountain Road
Hello, My name is Skyla Stearn, I am an Grateful Recovering addict, and currently reside at Oxford House-Meg Davis in Lynchburg Virginia, and have been residing here since September 15th, 2020 . Without oxford House, I would not be as far as I am in life! Oxford House has pushed me to build a network through my recovery, and also is the biggest part of my recovery, the most important part of my story with Oxford is that it has given me one of my children back, he resides here full time and is thriving, and I am thriving as a recovering mother ! Oxford has given me financial stability, it has given me my voice and helped me understand my addiction more than any program I have ever been in. I feel that these things happen because of the self-supporting model we are ran on, and I personally feel that it has been so sufficient to my recovery. This bill will cause a great many addicts to lose lives, or a safe warm HOME to call theirs ! Please consider the fact that I myself was referred by an Inpatient program, and because of that one referral, my whole entire life has changed, and I am present and fully capable of being a Mother, Daughter, friend, and just a productive citizen of society today, because of Oxford House. I guess what i am trying to say, is please think of the peoples lives that might be in danger, if they arent able to be referred, that could potentially safe a life. Oxford is just more than sober living, I have built a family, people i will keep in my life for years and years to come. Its the foundation of my Recovery !
I have been at different Oxford Houses. I have opened many houses. Oxford has allowed me to be responsible, pay my bills, and truly, truly help another suffering addict. Oxford has taught me so much. I have been in Oxford since 2014. If it wasn't for Oxford, I don't know where I would be today. I appreciate each and every one, and I wouldn't change it for the world. It's bad enough we don't have enough women recovery houses. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
I am new to the Oxford House, but I find it to be a very safe place to nurture and provide support for my ongoing sobriety. I appreciate and feel fortunate in having the ongoing Oxford House concept being a part of my immediate situation and look forward to many more sober days!! Kathie Hunter House
Please vote no to HB1172. Being within recovery can be challenging sometimes without having a sober network. Oxford house allows for individuals within recovery to be surrounded by people who are serious about their recovery. Within recovery I have had my longest abstinence from any mind altering substance while being within the Oxford community. Many addicts like myself need peer support while trying to change their way of life. Having these ladies within my house to support me has had an impact on my life emotionally and spiritually. Oxford is completely effective; however, the program only works if you stick to all Oxford house rules, and work the steps properly.
Without the help of Oxford House, I don't know where I would be today. It's more than just a place of residence for me, it's a family. I have been shown so much love, support and compassion since I've been here. I've also seen what Oxford House can do for others with no hope. I greatly appreciate Oxford. I have been here since January 7, 2022, and my sobriety date is May 31, 2021. Closing these house or taking away our charter will affect us helping other women. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
Hi my name is Kevin Thibodeau I'm currently staying at an Oxford House - Kyber in Lynchburg. If I didn't have the opportunity to come to an Oxford House after leaving treatment I would have went back down a path that would have lead me further away from recovery. Oxford House has given me the tools as well as guidance to start me on my journey of recovery and gave me a safe place to be so I didn't have to go back to the same people places and things I was around. If I didn't have Oxford House I wouldn't be starting a new job tomorrow, I wouldn't have a place to lay my head at night and I would still be sleeping in the nearest parking lot in my vehicle. Oxford house has done so much for me and not just me thousands of other people that are in recovery. In a sense oxford house has saved my life cause I don't know where I would be without it. SAY NO TO HB1172.
My name is John Swimmey Oxford house save my life the structure and the accountability and the Self-reliance it is taught me how to manage my finances balance a checkbook pay my bills on time and the kick a habit that I just couldn’t kick To take away from monster house would be to murder people they just can’t get their life together I was one of those people until I came to Oxford house to lose the fact that someone could recommend us I would have never known if someone had recommended Oxford house to me I would be dead today if not for some entity telling me about Oxford house I am self-reliant I have a good job a career and I’m very thankful for what Oxford house has done for me.
Oxford Houses across the Virginia Commonwealth have saved the lives of countless men and women. Many great contributing people(s). Oxford House’s structure and accountability provide a necessary transition point for those suffering from the disease of addiction. Building life skills, learning to maintain a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. Please do not take away the freedom of organizations to recommend, educate, and provide information directing individuals to this great organization.
Since I moved into the Oxford House in October 2021, I have learned the true meaning of happiness, help, joy and recovery. Oxford has allowed me to learn how to function in society, live a normal life as a regular citizen, and not be looked at like an addict. Being at Oxford has taught me how to be stable; it's taught me how to accept constructive criticism, and it's taught me how to trust people again. It's giving me stability that I truly never have had since I left my parents' home years ago. I have built some amazing life long relationships with women inside my home, as well as in the Oxford community that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Why would you want to change an organization that has saved so many with substance abuse disorder. This is very sad that the government or any other organization thinks they have a better way of running our houses than those that live in our homes. Oxford House has proven to work. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Easton Eplion. I am a recovering addict and a current resident of Oxford House Pollard Park ii in Richmond, VA. Oxford House has become the backbone to my recovery. When I was released from a year long program in Chesterfield, VA my biggest fear was going back home to the place where I'd spent 15 years in the same town with the same people doing the same things. I needed a safe place to go that was away from it all or I wouldn't have made it in recovery. Oxford House Pollard Park ii has given me a strong sense of family and belonging. The women I reside with have become my biggest critics and supporters. We have found a safe place within each other. We hold each other accountable and keep each other on track in our recovery. Without Oxford House I would simply be lost. Oxford Houses are such a strong force in todays recovery homes and it would be a shame to take that away from so many people suffering with this disease. It teaches us to live, really live on our own and go to work and clean up after ourselves and pay the bills and rent on time to uphold a normalcy in recovery that helps us to be ready to go out on our own. It is a vital stepping stone to mine and many others recovery program. There are no staff, probation officers or therapists here, but there are peers and love and a recovery network and the vital independence we need to learn before becoming productive members of society on our own. I strongly urge anyone reading this to please take this into consideration. We are a united force in recovery and Oxford House has been helping those of us in those final steps for so long now... since 1975 to be exact! To lose this essential step would be such a loss to those who haven't discovered it and an even greater loss to those of us who have and are utilizing the abundance of skills the Oxford House model has provided us with. I simply could not imagine the state of Virginia loosing the 1,302 beds that Oxford House provides and the damage it would do to the recovery community. Thank you for your time, Easton Eplion Oxford House Pollard Park ii
Dear Representatives, My name is Nick Miller and I found myself in detox nearly two years ago having lost everything in my life. My wife filed for divorce and custody of our children, I filed bankruptcy, I lost of all of my possessions because my house was in foreclosure, my cars were repossessed and my life savings had vanished. It was the beginning of the pandemic and after I received confirmation that I would be going to rehab all of the rehabs were subsequently closed. I learned about Oxford house and quickly called to set up an interview and was accepted. I have been clean and sober now nearly two years later. I wouldn't have been able to recover without Oxford House. I learned how to be accountable and hold others accountable. I learned how to be grateful and to give back and help others in need. I learned what recovery was and how to get it. I have a relationship with my family again, a steady job and career, I recently bought a car and most importantly I have a second chance at living a productive life. One of the reasons I believe Oxford house works is that there is no boss in the house. We have to come together as members in the house and make things work by following the rules. Oxford house provided me a safe place to recover knowing that there is zero tolerance for using drugs or alcohol anytime anywhere. It truly works and I'm living proof. Please don't deprive men and women the opportunity to recover as I did by following the oxford house model. Best regards, Nick Miller
Oxford House has given me a clean, safe, healthy environment without judgment and misunderstandings. It has enabled me to start a new life again, with long term sobriety. Having a simplistic structure with a few principles and rules gives me the freedom of choice, and I am encouraged daily to do what's right and live free. Having the freedom to choose to do what is right encourages me to believe in myself and stay strong. And, I'm thankful for the Oxford House. Please vote NO to bill HB1172.
I do not want any changes to be made because it would greatly change to direction and purpose of oxford recovery homes. I am resident at Oxford home. Oxford homes are a community of members in recovery. It self run and managed by the members of the house. I have been living in a Oxford house. It has afforded me with strength and support in my life and recovery.
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Danika Conigilio, I am currently 31 and a member of Oxford House Edgehill. I have been struggling with addiction since 18 and a member of Oxford Houses since 23. It is the safest place I have lived at and truly enjoy living at while also having a in house job, responsibilities, paying my own rent all while staying sober and following the rules. I love the fact I can stay here as long as I want and only leave when I am truly ready to be on my own. Much of my life has not been enjoyable and almost every happy moment in my life has been Oxford House memories wether if be at the conventions, with my roommates or through my own self progress. This is a huge stepping stone for me and my recovery and it would severely hurt me if it was ever taken away. I can get off of work and know that I am coming home to a safe and clean environment with people I know and can count on. It is important for everyone to have a place where they can grow and feel safe at and Oxford House Edgehill is that place! We keep ourselves in check and don't let anyone take our sobriety as a joke. I have relied on Oxford House for quite some time and I have grown more than ever in life and continue to grow on a daily basis with the help of Oxford House and the girls I live with. Thank you, Danika Coniglio Oxford House Edgehill
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Kat Dalton and I am a member of Oxford House Mountain Road in Glen Allen, Virginia. Oxford House Mountain Road is one of the women and children houses that Oxford House has all throughout the state. Although I do not have young children, the atmosphere of life and laughter has been insurmountable. I have lived at this house for 2 and a half years and have not regretted my decision to reside once. Oxford House has enabled me to overcome and live with my addiction. The house has been a safe haven for me and all the women and children that live and have lived here. Not only has Oxford House offered all of us a safe place to live but they have taught us valuable life skills in order for us to use when we decide its time for us to take the next step in life. I love being part of a self-run, self-supporting house in many ways and it also gives me a sense of accomplishment to go along with it. Because of Oxford Houses model it forces all of us to step up and help run the house in order for us to remain open and in the process teaches us all about running a household all while building lasting relationships with the other women in my house. It also means that we must hold each other accountable to the rules and our recovery or we risk putting everyone at danger. Please vote NO to HB1172 and keep Oxford House at the forefront of recovery housing. I am able to give back to society now with my experience, strength and hope. Thank you, Kat Dalton Oxford House Mountain Road
Hello my name is Mr. Heflin I have lived in this house for 6 years and the reason is because it works. I love the way it is set up that not one person is the boss of everyone we are all equals and every one gets a say so on how the house is ran we take care of all the bills and stuff like that and to be honest if i was a new person moving in or looking to move into a Oxford house and they told me we have a house manager that tells us what to do and how to do it I would not move in because I did rehab places witch are great but when you get out of rehab you want to move into a place that you can call home. I love the fact that we have to pay the bills are self and take care of the house. I believe it you vote yes for this a lot of people like me would not want to move into a place that we think is like a half way house. Because that is how it will fill . Thank you for your time and stay blessed.
To whom it may concern, this letter is just a brief summary of my personal experience with oxford house and what it has done for me in my personal journey. I have struggled on my own for a long time with my addiction and its effects on my personal and professional life. In the last years of it I, like many others, watched as it destroyed personal, professional, and familial relationships despite my best efforts to get and remain sober. It was only after several trips to detox and residential rehab programs that I finally decided to give the Oxford model a try. I cannot convey how much this organization has changed my life for the better. Since living in an Oxford house I have managed to put together 18 months of sobriety, something I have not ever done since my early 20's. The model fosters a sense of belonging, and also helps to reestablish a sense of independence. I strongly feel adding a requirement to have some sort of house manager/staff member would be a major detriment to that aspect specifically. In an Oxford house everyone is an equal, regardless of sober time, and that dynamic would completely change with the addition of an overseeing staff member or house manager. It is for that reason specifically that I strongly urge you to not vote in favor of HB1172. I understand that Oxford is not the only organization that operates a service such as this, however I strongly feel that forcing them to alter the model from what has been proven to work since 1975 due to the short comings of other organizations would have a detrimental effect on those currently residing in, and future residents of an Oxford house. Regards, Mark Saylor. Sober since July 13, 2020 thanks in large part to Oxford House Inc and the opportunity they have afforded me.
Dear My name is Moises and I have been a part of Oxford for 2 years. Please vote no to HB1172.
Dear Delegate A.C. Cordoza, I hope you consider saying no to bill HB1172. I have lived at Oxford House - Littleback for 6 years now. We are a self ran, self supporting, peer driven recovery residence. We hold each other accountable per the Oxford House model of operations. The men in my home have became my family. HB1172 would dramatically impact our recovery residence. It would potentially cause the loss of recovery beds not only in Oxford House - Littleback but in Virginia as a whole.
Hello Delegate. My name is John Hart. I have been clean for six year due to my stay in Oxford House. Before coming into Oxford House I had no direction or guidance. By being here I received all that and more a work history a reason to feel I am worthy of what comes next life has been so good to me since I have been in the Oxford House environment Thank You John Hart.
Hello Delegates, my name is John Hart. I have been clean for six year due to my stay in Oxford House. Before coming into Oxford House I had no direction or guidance by being here i received all that and more a work history a reason to feel i am worthy of what comes next life has been
Dear chairman and members of the committee: My name is Dr. Leslie Keck, and I am writing on behalf of a family member who has benefitted from the Oxford House model. I am opposed to this bill because it goes against one of the most fundamental tenets of the Oxford House model. Oxford House is a self-supporting, self-run household. The Oxford House model of operations works because it is run by peers in a democratic fashion. To require that all certified recovery residences must have a live in or offsite house manager would go against what makes Oxford House so successful in helping people not only live healthy drug and alcohol free lives but learn how to live on their own. It is imperative to be able to make decisions without someone telling you what to do. I AM OPPOSED TO HB1172
Please vote no HB1172. Im a member of oxford house and it has helped me a great deal in the time I've been here. If you put a house manager in these houses it will ruin the program for so many of us. We want to control our homes and recovery democratically. Ive been in a handful of sober houses in my life and oxford has been the one I've found the most success and comfort in. It will be bad for so many peoples sobriety. hope this helps.
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Vicki Kusmira and I am currently a member of Oxford House Mountain Road, a women's and children house in Glen Allen, Virginia. I have lived at this house for more than two years now with several other women in recovery. Oxford House has given me a great structure to work my recovery in, which I will be forever grateful for. Along with a stable place to live they have a model to live by requiring that I stay active holding a position in the house, as well as staying active in my recovery and holding other accountable to the same standards. Once a month we have chapter meetings were all the houses get together to talk about how they are doing and this is just one more system is in place in order to make sure houses are running according to the Oxford House model and traditions. Its rewarding to be a part of something larger than myself. To have a purpose. Again, I am so appreciative of Oxford House and the people involved with this group. Not group but family. One big Oxford House family extending experience, strength and hope to everyone involved. So in conclusion please vote NO to bill HB1172 and keep Oxford House going in the state of Virginia. Thank you, Vicki Kusmira, Oxford House Mountain Road
Hello chairman and members of the committee, My name is Kevin Williams and i am a member of Oxford House - Littleback. I have resided there for two and a half years. Being in the Oxford House has been and integral part of my recovery. Oxford House is strong support for those of us in the recovery community. I simply as you to say no to this bill, HB1172, because it will ultimately affect the greater recovery community and Oxford House. which in some areas (like ours) is our only option for recovery housing in the area.
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Jodi Counts and I am writing on behalf of Oxford House Pollard Park ii against bill HB1172. I would like to say that Oxford House has made a huge impact on my life and in my recovery. I am 44 years old and have been addicted to drugs since I was 15. After being incarcerated in 2018 for 3 years, I made a decision to not return home to Washington County, Virginia and decided to move into an Oxford House in Richmond, Virginia. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been living here since September of 2021 and since that time have obtained a very well paying job, obtained my drivers license and got a car. I have reconnected with my family and for the first time in a long time am proud of who I am and in what I am achieving in life. My being in an Oxford House has put me in contact with a great number of people who can relate to my story and also guide me in my recovery from their experiences as well. I am able to connect with the other women in the house and know that they hold me accountable for my actions without judgement. I need Oxford House and I know that there are many like me that need it as well. It is doing great things for a great number of people. So in conclusion please vote NO to bill HB1172 in order for Oxford House to save countless more people suffering from substance use disorders. Thank you, Jodi Counts, Oxford House Pollard Park ii
To Delegates, my name is Kevin Koubsky and I am a resident of Oxford House - Blossom located in Williamsburg and I'm writing you with concerns about HB1172. I've struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for most of my life. I was homeless, in jail and honestly on the edge of death. I have been to treatment 7 times, multiple detoxes until finally entered The Farley Center in Williamsburg. After treatment I had no where to go. My parents didn't trust me. My counselor told me about Oxford House. Oxford House has changed my life in ways this letter doesn't do justice. It allowed me to be with people who are trying to recover and lead better lives. We hold weekly House Business Meetings and the guys I live with are family to me. We hold each other accountable and follow the model for the way we run our house. There are 5 houses in Williamsburg and we communicate on a daily basis . We also meet monthly to submit and discuss financial reports and house reports so we know where each house stands. We discuss what's happening in our community. Oxford House is a world wide organization that not only helps addicts but helps their families. Our success speaks for itself. I hope you take the time to look at the positives that come from Oxford. Nothing is perfect. I am blessed to have been sober for 821 days ( 2 years and 3 months ) I give Oxford House all the credit . It has truly changed who I am. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and vote no for HB1172. Kevin Koubsky Chapter 1
I've been in both a house that has had an overseer and am now a member of an Oxford House, where it is not required. Having experienced both, I feel I have grown more in my sobriety with out an overseer. Having the responsibility, the resources, and the choice to embrace my sobriety has been a ray of hope and empowerment, changing what I believe my future may hold. Please don't vote for HB1172. Sincerely Mr. Douglas
Good morning chairmen and members of the committee, My name is Crystal Knight and I am currently a member at Oxford House Mountain Road a women's and children house in Glen Allen, VA. I moved into an Oxford House almost 2 years ago, after speaking to my sponsor who had highly recommended coming to an Oxford House. Oxford House has given me a chance to put some roots down in my recovery and time to grow. I have 2 children under the age of 6 and have been given a chance to have regular visits with my girls because of the amazing program that Oxford House offers. Both of my daughters absolutely love coming over to visit and see all the women living here. Its always a struggle to get them ready to leave because they love it here so much. I have developed a strong support system, have gotten very close to the ladies here and love them dearly. Ive been able to acquire over a year and a half of sobriety, have held a full time job and have been working with the court system to regain custody of my daughters. I truly have a lot to thank Oxford House for. Oxford House saved my life and has made me a better person, a better mother, and a better friend all around. I have struggled with addiction all my life and I'm finally seeing a brighter future ahead of me because of this amazing program called Oxford House. Please vote NO to bill HB1172 so I can continue to grow and offer support to other around me! Thank you, Crystal Knight, Oxford House Mountain Road
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172
Please vote not to HB1172. See attached letter.
My name is Andrew. I have been a resident of an Oxford house for almost 2 years. It has helped me tremendously. It gave me the structure I needed to progress in my recovery and also gave me a stable environment to live, grow and regain accountability. Oxford houses have helped so many people and it will continue to as long as it exists. HB1172 vote no for this bill.
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
See my comments attached. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
Oxford h=House has given me the opportunity to have a chance to hold myself accountable for my self in a manner i would not have recieved any any other living condition. When i decided to get sober I finally made the decision to do it for myself by myself. The other attempts were to show my family and loved ones I wanted to be the person they wanted me to be but this time I made the decision on my own. i went from detox to rehab to oxford house and i would have never been able to find a steady residence with my credit and renting history. the thing that makes oxford house unique is the fact that you have to hold your self responsible and complete your duties and follow the rules to maintain as in doing chores, going to a.a./n.a meeetings, going to hsc, the weekly house meeting, and the chapter meeting. No one is here to tell you have to or make you go and that is the sole thing that has given me the opportunity to hold myself accountable get myself to places and rely on no one else. for me i always had asked a friend or family or acquaintance to help me and it always led me to solely rely on other means of survival. Now being here i have paid my court fines my asap classes i am on mental heath meds and i am active in recovery. If i had someone here overseeing i did all these things my independence that i have worked so hard to acquire would mean nothing i would not learn to be self reliant, i would not have the chance to say i did it. another factor is the support from the house members us being self supporting is a major contribution to the foundation of keeping ourselves accountable for what we do. we follow the oxford house rules and other ones we deem fit to follow upon the democratic opinion of the majority vote i feel having someone here would take away from that and make it difficult to succeed in the manner that we have been in the time i have been here . please think about the independence that we obtain from being self supportive and thank you for your time. Ryan Elder Beau lane oxford house member.
It has saved many lives including my own. It has given my son his mother back. I have a recovery network. I have accountability. I will forever be grateful for Oxford and the opportunities it’s given me. I am very happy that myself and my son have a safe place to sleep. Say NO to HB1172!
Please vote NO to HB1172 Oxford has allowed me to stay sober. It has given me a place to be held accountable for my actions. I have stayed sober for almost 4 years now and I have Oxford to thank for that. I am grateful to be living at Oxford House - Melita. There are not enough recovery homes for women and I hope to we open more Oxford Houses just for ladies.
Oxford house has given me a second chance to fix my life. I was a lost cause, someone that most people would avoid at all cost. During my addiction i wrote everyone off because I didn't know to live like a normal human being so it was easier to walk away than change. My oxford family changed that, they showed me it could be done by people with the same disease as mine. They hold me accountable when i mess up and don't allow me to take the easy way out and encourage me to stay on the right path and guide me when I don't see the light. Since I've became a member of oxford I've completely changed my life. i have over a year clean and sober. i hold a full time job and pay taxes and involve myself in service work. Its helped me be a better son, father, brother and friend. There's not a doubt in my or my families minds that without this life altering experience id be dead. This system works if you're willing to put the work in. Please don't change it. Thank you for your time.
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, My name is Joseph Cranford and I am a resident of Oxford House Rising Sun located in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Phillip A. Scott is my delegate for the city of Fredericksburg. I am writing this letter to voice my opinion on bill HB1172 and Oxford House as an organization and what it has done for me and my recovery. In AA the literature states that one addict helping another is without parallel. I have found this to be completely true. Oxford House has not only given me a home but helped me to become a responsible member of society. Im not sure where I would be if not for Oxford House and its members. Jails, institutions, or even death. In conclusion, Oxford House is a vital part of the recovery process for myself and so many other so please vote NO to bill HB1172. Thank you, Joseph Cranford - Oxford House Rising Sun
Good morning, Chairman and members of the committee, My name is Chris Shannon, and I am a person in long term recovery. I am speaking today on behalf of Oxford House and why I think bill HB1172 should not be passed. I have lived in an Oxford House since April 7th of 2019, and I can honestly say that it has saved my life. Oxford House was founded in 1975 and the first houses in Virginia were opened in 1990. Oxford House is a model of self-run, self-supporting, recovery housing with over 3,000 houses in over 44 different states. In the state of Virginia alone there are 158 Oxford Houses and 1,302 beds for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. Not only has Oxford House been around since 1975 but we are the only recovery housing model to have been accepted by SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs. On another point not only has Oxford House been recognized by SAMHSA, but DePaul University published a study showing Oxford Houses to have an unparalleled abstinence rate of over 87.5% one year after admission among our members, regardless of length of stay. Oxford House has given me so much more than I ever imagined I would have when I was in the depths of my addiction. The difference between Oxford House and other recovery residences is the self-sun, self-supporting model. It has taught me how to have a checking account, how to pay my bills on time, how to run a household and all that goes into it! In my opinion the fact that everyone in an Oxford House comes together to run the house has really set it apart from other recovery residences. It gives me a sense of belonging and accomplishment I have never experienced anywhere else. I know that at the end of the day I have a safe, sober place to come home to that is filled with people I trust and relate to on such a deep level because they too are winning the battle against addiction. If bill HB1172 is passed it would rob myself and so many others the chance for Oxford House to become such a huge part of the recovery process and I can’t even begin to imagine the effects this would have on the recovery community. Please vote NO to bill HB1172 in order to keep Oxford House a certifying body and to continue to open self-run, self-supporting recovery residences. Thank you, Chris Shannon – Oxford House Brookland Park
No to HB1172.
To whom it may concern, I am an alcoholic that has struggled with my addiction all my life. In spite of multiple attempts, I destroy my personal and professional life. I had lost of jobs had multiple seizures and in the end, lost family support. After my last visit to a rehabilitation program, I had no place to go after the program. I was told about Oxford House and an interview was set up. Members of the Oxford house got together and the majority of the house voted yes. That vote gave me the shelter and structure to begin building my life back. I have lived in an Oxford house for a year and a half. Oxford model has taught me to communicate and make the right decisions with other fellow housemates to keep our house stable in a democratic fashion. It is a good feeling to know that everyone’s opinions matter and all voices are equal in the house. All house members are important and hold a valuable position in the house to make it function. The important and valuable asset about Oxford House is that it provides Structure and not control to the members that live in it. I would urge you to VOTE NO TO HB1172. Thank you Oxford House for giving me a chance to make better of my life and keeping my sobriety strong. Regards Sandeep Yadav
Dear chairman and members of the committee, I am opposed to this bill because it goes against one of the most fundamental points of the Oxford House model. Oxford House is a self supporting, self ran household. The Oxford House model of operations works because it is ran by peers in a democratic fashion. To require that all certified recovery residences must have a live or offsite house manager would go against what makes Oxford House so successful in helping people not only live healthy drug and alcohol free lives but learn how to live on their own. It is imperative to be able to make decisions without someone telling you what to do. I AM OPPOSED TO HB1172De
Good morning chairman and members of the committee. My name is Debbie, and I am a woman in long term recovery. I am also an alumnus of Oxford House – Pentagon located in Fairfax Virginia. I lived at Oxford House – Pentagon from 2007-2009. I struggled with substance abuse for over 35 years, not once getting clean and sober as I bounced all around Northern Virginia including being homeless many times in Fairfax County. On February 2, 2022, I will celebrate 15 years of sobriety, and this is all because of my Oxford House experience. Moving into Oxford House was not an easy decision for me. I was scared and not sure if I could follow the 5 pages of house rules which at that time following rules was not in my nature, nor abiding by the law. Being held accountable for my actions was something I had not experienced since I was 13 years old yet needed it to stay alive. Now suddenly, I had 6 other women who would hold me accountable and guide me to a better life because of what they had learned while living in the Oxford House. I have overdosed in the past and living at Oxford House was a very safe place to live and I truly enjoyed living in the house. Oxford House gave me time to grow in my recovery while all along becoming the productive citizen I am today. I gave up my career as an Accountant to help those with substance abuse disorder. Because of my experience in Oxford House and what they gave to me I started working for Oxford House on January 1, 2014. I volunteered for Oxford House for 5 years prior to becoming an employee. I am currently the Senior Outreach in Northern Virginia. I lived in Fairfax County for 48 years and now reside in Prince William County, so this meant a lot to me to be able to help those in my hometown and statewide. Opening new Oxford Houses in Northern Virginia is what I love to do. It’s a privilege to go into our jails, prisons and treatment centers in Virginia and let others know they can have a better life if they just give Oxford House a chance to help them. It is amazing how many former members I see daily that are still clean and sober and it is because of Oxford House. Currently in Northern Virginia we have 61 houses with over 500 members. Almost every member was referred by either a treatment center, a hospital, jails, or prisons. I work with referral agency representatives every day to help someone get to a safe home. These referral agencies across the state work with us very closely because they believe in what Oxford House is doing and the lives it has saved. Removing Oxford House as a credentialing agency would result in decertification of all our houses statewide which would be 158 houses. This will affect over 1300 members who believe in what Oxford House is doing and are willing to change their lives for the better by following the Model. Oxford House is one of the most recognized evidence-based programs in Virginia, if not worldwide with an 87% abstinence rate. Let Oxford House grow and continue to save lives. We all wish we could save everyone’s life who is suffering from substance abuse disorder, but we also recognize know matter how hard we work, how many laws we change or write, we will still lose our friends and family members to a disease that continues to grow higher every year. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172.
Good morning Chairman and members of the committee, My name is Deborah Jackson and I am a woman in long term recovery. I have been clean and sober for 7 years and 5 months. I moved into Oxford House a broken woman after detox on Aug 17, 2014. Oxford House changed my life! I learned how to live again. I became self-reliant, which led to my biggest gift of recovery, self respect. The women I lived with became my family. They held me accountable, required me to become involved in our house and called me out on my behaviors. In 2019 I started working for Oxford House as an Outreach Worker. I am passionate about this organization because I see first hand how many lives we save. Oxford House has a solid, proven Standard of Operations. Having a house manager does not work for everyone. Many of us have failed at being managed, from the original house managers (our parents) to the jailers, probation officers, and hospital staff. What worked for us was an environment that is supportive but requires our participation. We make sure the bills get paid, that our homes are clean, and we help each new person that comes along. We learn the practical skills we need to re-enter the world. Oxford Houses work by shared understanding and mutual respect that helps people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. In 2019 with the support of DBHDS we worked with legislative staff and the outcome was that two nationally recognized organizations, Oxford House and VARR would certify recovery homes and hold them accountable to certain standards. Everyone involved was pleased with the result and this legislation was an example to other states as to how regulation can allow Oxford House and VARR to coexist to ensure the quality of all recovery residences and help the most people. This was a successful piece of legislation in 2019 and it still is in 2022. Why are we changing something that is working and benefitting the most people? Oxford House is trusted and respected by community service boards, treatment centers, the courts, the Dept of Corrections, faith-based organizations and 12 Step programs. We are the gold standard in recovery housing. We have been operating since 1975. Why? Because it works! Removing Oxford House as a credentialing entity will have a devastating effect. The State of Virginia would lose 158 houses and 1,302 recovery beds. This is short sighted and irresponsible. Our communities will suffer but no one will suffer worse than the addict and their families in need of what we offer at Oxford House. Vote no for HB1172.
Please vote NO to HB1172.
My name is Danielle Weber and I have been living in an Oxford House for almost 2 years. If it wasn’t for Oxford Houses I would not be here today. When I came into an Oxford House I was broken, depressed and barely getting by emotionally and with my addiction. Through Oxford House I have gained self-confidence, pride in how I am handling tough and stressful situations, opening up to let my house mates get to know me and feeling loved, cared for and trusting of other people. My emotional wellbeing is significantly better, I am able to go through Oxford House and its affiliates to get the help that I needed. Oxford House is so much more than just a sober living home, it is a family, a community that stands by you and helps you through every situation you find yourself in. It is a life changing organization that helps thousands and thousands of people. Through the rules of the house and the State Association it gives us structure that we need and it sets us up for success in life. Through Oxford House we have been able to completely turn our lives around and reconnected us to our friends, family and children. Oxford House brings people together and helps us and our family heal from our past wrongs. Oxford House is an amazing program that breaths life back into us.
Good Morning Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, My name is Michael Devin Edge, and I am a member of Oxford House - Nauck, located in Arlington, Virginia. Oxford House has provided me housing and rehabilitative support to aid me in my recovery. The Oxford House Charter and System of Operations provides me accountability and structure that leads to a successfully run, and safe recovery home with high standards. I believe the self-run, self-supporting nature of Oxford House helps make this house and the people in it successful. I am in opposition to HB1172 which removes Oxford House as one of the certifying entities. If this bill is passed, it will lead to the decertification and closing of the 158 Oxford Houses providing over 1,300 recovery beds across the state. This would leave these individuals who are already residing in recovery residences homeless. Requiring all certified recovery residences be staffed would eliminate not only all Oxford Houses but any NARR-certified Level 1 recovery residences and violates the Fair Housing Act by imposing discriminatory terms and conditions and a negative impact on similarly situated recovery residences. Research shows the non-staffed, self-governing aspect of Oxford House is critical to the unparalleled abstinence rates it produces. Oxford Houses represent a significant majority of all recovery residences in Virginia. Decertifying them would drastically reduce the availability of much-needed recovery housing that would detrimentally impact the citizens of Virginia who suffer from substance use disorders and their families. It would increase the financial burden of addiction on the state and increase recidivism rates, unnecessarily costing taxpayers more in jails and prisons. All DBHDS health regions are well-represented in the distribution of Oxford Houses. VARR-certified houses are highly concentrated in the metro-Richmond area, with significantly less presence in regions outside Region 4. Region 1 – 30 Oxford Houses, Region 2 – 60 Oxford Houses, Region 3 – 19 Oxford Houses, Region 4 – 12 Oxford Houses, and Region 5 – 37 Oxford Houses. The proposed changes to the law were not developed in an appropriate way with all impacted stakeholders, including DBHDS, OHI, and VARR, but were instead developed in an abbreviated time period with no consultation or input from OHI. The proposed changes to existing law that remove OHI as a credentialing entity and require all certified recovery residences to be staffed should be removed or HB277 should be defeated. Oxford House believes there needs to be a legislative workgroup convened to discuss the merits and impact of any changes to existing law and how we can best serve and keep healthy and safe the citizens of Virginia. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172!
Henry Heard house member of (Oxford House Williamsburg) 17.5 yrs. Not in favor of this Bill, which targets Oxford House Inc. Respectfully
Good Morning Chair, My Name is John McCormack and I am a recovering Alcoholic and a resident of an Oxford House in Northern Virginia. Being a member of an Oxford House has truly given me my dignity as a contributing member of my Oxford House. The Oxford House model in essence is about having a voice in how things are done to keep the house I live in functioning. In the Oxford Houses I have lived in we run our house efficiently and effectively. For example I have served in my oxford house as a president, secretary, treasurer, comptroller, chore coordinator and housing service representative each house is organized by chapters in Virginia our commonwealth has 18 chapters. The Oxford Model consists of members who have officer duties. I have been a Chapter 1 Vice Chair, Chair, and Treasurer; currently all chapters are under Virginia State Association. Oxford House is throughout the USA and International. We are self governing in Oxford this method has proven with a lot of supportive data to be working since 1975. I beg you to listen to the members of Oxford House who will testify that being a self supporting member of an Oxford House has provided a path to becoming a contributing member of society with a lasting sobriety. I appreciate your time and attention to my concerns in closing I ask that you vote No to HB1172 Thank you, John McCormack VSA Chair
Good morning, Chairperson and Members of the Committee, My daughter lived in an Oxford House in Fairfax County for 2 years. When she first went into the Oxford Houses Recovery Home, I was uncertain if this would work because she told us the house had no supervision, just a lot of rules. I was surprised when I read the house rules and realized the consequences she would incur if she did not abide by the rules she signed. Even though some of the rules seemed harsh, I did research on Oxford Houses and found out they had been around for a very long time, that others involved in the field of addiction spoke highly of them, and that they had proven themselves as an organization that saves lives of those living with the disease of addiction. My entire family is grateful that Oxford Houses were an option for her. Tough love from us did not work and the family had exhausted all options to help her. She still was not welcomed to live in our home, which meant she would be homeless and on the streets in Fairfax County again. Even though by the time she moved into an Oxford House she had been 5 months clean, which she only obtained from going to treatment. It was her treatment center counselors that referred Oxford Houses to us. They also informed us of how many of their clients have moved in the houses in Northern Virginia and have stayed sober and turned their lives around. They also told us if she used, she would be put out of the house. My daughter drank and did drugs for 35 years and we had lost all hope that she would live much longer. As a family, we believed Oxford Houses was exactly what she needed. The peer support provided to her by house members, the house rules, and the recovery program requirements along with her having to follow the Oxford House model, worked miracles for her. This organization is the reason we have a daughter today, her siblings have a sister, her daughter has a mother and now she is a grandmother. Our family is whole again and we will be forever grateful. Today, almost 15 years later our loved one is still sober and is a very productive citizen giving back to all those in recovery and our community. I oppose HB1172 and I hope you will too. Thank you, The Belotti Family
Hello, my name is Jacqui, my son owes his life to Oxford House. He was incarcerated many times in Winchester due to drug related charges. Constantly coming back to my husband and I's home. The last time he was incarcerated was June of 2017. Upon release he went into an Oxford House. Little did we know it would ultimately give us our family back. We learnt that is was peer driven and self supporting which seemed odd at first. Then we watched him start doing more than he had ever done before. I did some looking into what the Oxford Houses model was and realized that the peer driven aspect of it gives members an opportunity to grow in many different ways, as well as highlighting that using even once meant that you could no longer live there for a period of time. We do believe that the Oxford House model is one that works well and is a safe haven for anyone who struggles with substance use disorder. He is now just a little over four and a half years clean. In the many attempts before without the housing like Oxford House he never could get past the 90 day hump of sobriety. Now he is a functioning member of society which at one point did not feel like it would ever happen. We got our son back which is why I'm asking you to SAY NO TO HB1172. It will negatively affect some recovery residences in the state of Virginia which will limit the help for people who need it.
My name is Laura Clavijo, I am a current resident of Apple blossom Oxford house. I have lived here for one year and I have 19 months clean. Having the opportunity to reside in Oxford has given me a built in network of women, it has given me a home where I resided in intensive treatment prior to moving here and before that I was homeless in Philadelphia. Living in Oxford has allowed me to build life skills and become a responsible adult. I feel Oxford is an extremely valuable asset to men and women in recovery and starting their lives over. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172!
My name is Christy Beckwith, I currently live in Apple Blossom Oxford House. I have lived here for 2 years. Having this option available to me when I left rehab has saved my life. If this option hadn't been available I would have returned to using not long after completing rehab Oxford has given me a home where I was able to find out who I was sober and how fun life can be. It has also helped me build life skills and become a responsible person. The model works as I have seen it help addicts and alcoholics navigate the crucial next steps in recovery. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172!
My name is Kellen Wool, I currently live in Apple Blossom Oxford House. I am the newest member in this house and I am so lucky to have had this as an option. Without this oxford house to call my home I wouldn't be able to restart my life or to even give myself an actual chance at life. It has connected me with other women who have more sober time than I that have been able to guide me in this new venture. I can feel the change inciting in me as I'm moving forward with my life. I know for a fact that without the oxford house model I would have already relapsed and probably not be alive today to write this out. Without the Oxford house model I would be still alone in my fight for my life in a sea of billions. This model has given and still gives me the tools to continue to stay on this path. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172!
My name is Lexi Woods, I am a current resident at Apple Blossom Oxford. I have been living here since September, and prior to moving I was unable to obtain any amount of clean time on my own. Living in Oxford has given me the opportunity to build a network of sober women that I can lean on for support. It has also given me a level of accountability that I wouldn't have living on my own, which I believe is extremely important in early sobriety. The structure provided by Oxford has given me a safe place for me to learn responsibility, focus on getting my life on track, and has taught me alot being an adult. Living in Oxford saved me from continuing down a path of self destruction and I am forever grateful for that. I hope that others after me get the same opportunity as I did. PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1172!!
Whom It May Concern, Oxford Houses saved my life. It's that simple. It gave me a safe place to go to recover and build myself back up. A place to learn how to live in society as a sober person with a group of like-minded peers who would be my support system and then my family. I have been a hard core heroin addict for over 20yrs. I've lived in the streets, in institutions and I've been to rehab. But I've never been able to stay sober. It never quite stuck. Then I found Oxford. The support and structure that it brought to my life was a game changer. I changed. I've been in Oxford for a couple of years now and am clean and sober and doing amazing. I participate in my Oxford Chapter and attend the State Meetings in Virginia. If we lose Oxford Houses we will lose lives. It's as simple as that. Thank You, Virginia Beach, Va. Missy Perkinss
To Whom It May Concern, I had struggled many years with addiction which led to jail, losing my career, my home, everything I owned and the most important thing to me in the world my 3 beautiful little girls. I had tried several times to get clean and it never ever worked for me. I finally hit my rock bottom as we addicts like to call it and I had finally had enough. I went to rehab for 60 days and was going to return back home in Tennessee until on my last 2 weeks there my counselor mentioned maybe I should try a sober living house called Oxford. I had no clue what that even meant and had never heard of that. I called around and got a hold of the house president at Coral and they set me up an interview over the phone that following Monday. They asked me interview questions and by the end of that night I got a call I was accepted. Since that day Oxford has changed my life, it has taught me another way to live, it has given me structure and accountability, it has taught me how to be a good a productive citizen, it has taught me growth not only with myself but with other people as well. It has taught me to face my problems head on while having a whole support system in my very home and within the Oxford community. Over my 2 years of being here I have gotten to be more involved with my recovery and within Oxford by holding house positions, being Chapter 2 Secretary for a year, and now being Ch.2 Treasurer and Sate Secretary. Those things may seem small but to me and others it everything. We are being trusted to do things no one would have ever trusted us to do before and most importantly being on these boards are not only helping me but they are allowing us to help others in need of finding a new way or helping members in the other houses that need us. If this would fall through it would be detrimental to not only Oxford house but to the people that are in them and the people trying to get in one. I can promise you and assure you we have protocols for all situations and rules that we follow on a daily basis. Every member signs them when they walk in the door and we go over them all the time. We do random drug screens, we watch for changes in behavior and anyone on any medications must keep them in a lock box at all times and we do random pill counts to keep them accountable. Please let us all be able to continue to provide the Oxford way and help the next struggling addict because it is saving lives every day. I can say without a doubt Oxford saved my life and it has brought me where I am today which is someone who has over 2 years clean, has a car now, a place to call home, a fulltime job, a family within Oxford and relationships rebuilt with my children who are most important. Thank you for your time, Whitney Dockery/Coral Member
To Whom It May Concern, Oxford changes lives. I've seen it happen. We have all seen it happen. Every single person in my Oxford House that is a current or past member will attest to that. All of us came from bad places homeless, drug addicted, bad living situations, institutions, etc.-to this amazing, safe place that helped us build ourselves up and have a support system with rules and structure and even a make-shift family since most of us pushed our blood families away in our active addiction. Oxford gave us a second chance. It gave us hope. And where there is hope there is life. Oxford saves lives and we need them and we are all so grateful for the chance to be a part of this place. Thank You, Oxford House Hera Virginia Beach, VA
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this letter to express how much Oxford House has benefitted me through my journey of recovery, and how much it means to me as a member of Coral House in Virginia Beach, VA. I have struggled with addiction most of my life. I come from a family of addicts. I believe I can and will break/beat the cycle of addiction. It will be something I work on for the rest of my life, and with that I will need so many tools along with a network to grow in my recovery. The girls I live with here are my family. Unfortunately, my blood family is deceased so if this home got taken from me, you would be taking my family from me along with so much more. Oxford gives me a safe affordable place to lay my head at night, which I call home. If that goes, you would be taking my stability and my safe place, which means you would be taking from my daughter with whom I am rebuilding a relationship. Oxford House is teaching me and also giving me accountability which for me is huge in my recovery. It is so very much such a blessing for me to have Oxford. It would be devastating to me and my life recovery if someone took this experience, this Oxford House Coral, from me.
To whom it may concern, I am writing to you to explain the impact that Oxford House has for it's members, what it has done for me so far and what else I believe it can achieve for me. Oxford House has helped many people get away from living in toxic households, being homeless, to freeing up shelters. Individuals get positive support, a way to save money, they learn about principles, and the way to live a new productive, healthy life. I think it is important for you to understand that addiction is a disease. Each time I fall down and give into my disease I get stronger. I am so grateful I have had chances and my heart goes out to those who have not made it. It is important for me to stress that when I first moved into an Oxford house I had a lot going on in life besides just my addiction. I had just gone through a break-up of a relationship that was eight years long. I was battling my mental health and still was new to my mental health diagnosis. Earlier in the year 2021 I was diagnosed bipolar, schizo effective, PTSD, anxiety, and major depression. The whole point of Oxford is for us to all be there for each other when we are struggling. When you move into an a house there is an application and interview process. It is up to you to be honest, open and tell the house what your relapse warning signs and triggers might be. This allows the house to help you if they notice anything. I have lived in this house for roughly five months. I have got to say my stay has been wonderful! I have been held accountable for my actions at our weekly house meeting. I have also been pulled aside by individuals when I have showed signs of relapsing. I have not relapsed in this house but being held accountable and confronted in a constructive manner has helped me fix my mistakes and pick myself up to work harder at my recovery. At our weekly house meetings, we also do a pill count on anyone that has any medications that could potentially be abused. I feel holding people accountable and keeping an eye on them to make sure they are taking their meds as prescribed is very important especially if someone is in early recovery. We do a feelings check weekly, it is important we check in and see where everyone is at in the house. It allows us to all get closer, discuss or ups and downs we have had during the week, it's a comfortable environment to ask the group for anyone who might be able to help with anything going on.
Dear Chairperson & Members of House Subcommittee #1, I wanted to ensure my voice is heard, I’m both a landlord and a person with family members who has benefitted from the long standing program the Oxford House organization provides both around the Country and too the local community. They give those who need a second chance to rehabilitate themselves back into society as productive citizens able to give back to the work force and their Communities. I oppose HB1172.
Dear Chairperson and Members of the House, I wanted to write to express my support for the Oxford House and opposition to the bill known as HB1172. I am a landlord who rents to Oxford house and have had nothing but positive experiences with them. Initially I heard of their program through a friend and wanted to help. After finding out what great tenants they were, how they helped those in recovery and how well the tenants took care of my property, I opened another of my properties to them. I think they do a great job and it would be a disservice to the Commonwealth to do anything that would jeopardize their efforts. Best regards, Sabri BenKahla (Landlord, Small Business Owner)
Hello my name is Bryan Blankenship a Marine Corps veteran, a FBI retiree, and a 10+ year landlord for Oxford House in Prince William County. All of those things I am proud of. As for Oxford House, over the past decade of my involvement, there have been over 20 women, both young and old, that resided in a four bedroom - four bathroom home I purchased. Several of them have expressed that the time with Oxford provided the opportunity to regain necessary structure and accountability which led to the independence they regained upon moving on. I am a wholehearted supporter in this program and as a VA constituent, request you oppose House Bill 277. Respectfully, Bryan
House Delegate, My name is Mong Heng. I am a landlord renting my house to the Oxford House group in Falls Church for many years. I have observed personally that the residents living there are well mannered, courteous, happy, organized and take good care of my property inside and outside very well because of Oxford House rules and policy. As a landlord, I like Oxford House and I oppose HB1172. Sincerely, Mong Heng
Dear Chairperson & Members of House Subcommittee #1. We were recently informed that there is legislation (House Bill 1172) that could remove Oxford House Inc as a credentialing agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia. My family has been an advocate of Oxford House for over 30 years, and have seen the tremendous impact that the Oxford House has made in our communities to help individuals overcome their drug and alcohol dependencies in a supportive environment. Rather than passing legislation that would reduce it's effectiveness, Oxford House Inc should be recognized as the blueprint for helping individuals overcome their addictions in a residence setting and the state should further partner with Oxford House to set up more of these types of homes throughout the state. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely, Ilker Gunessever, Landlord
To Concerned Delegates and Senators, I am opposed to the passage of HB1172 entitling only Va. Association of Recovery Residences ( VARR) to run recovery houses. Oxford House has been an established group that has helped thousands of people to recover and live productive lives. My brother was one of these blessed individuals. It is a model of democracy, it is a self governing residence for over 4 decades. Oxford House represents 75% of all the recovery homes in Virginia and is present in 44 states. Please vote No on HB 1172! Thank you for your time, Sister to a previous resident and landlord to an Oxford House Patricia Donohue
For over 20 years we have been working with Oxford House to provide housing for the residents. Oxford House is an excellent organization that provides housing in a community setting which provides support, encouragement, and structure. Currently, we have 14 houses leased to Oxford House. Debbie Robinson, Senior Outreach Worker for Oxford House, who we have worked with many years, does an excellent job of overseeing the houses. We feel good about helping these people who are struggling and how Oxford House allows them to have a safe place to live within the community. As a group they behave responsibility and out the “group responsibility” individuals develop a new responsible lifestyle free of alcohol and drug use. Our houses help society and it feels good to help others less fortunate. In the past, we have sponsored summer picnics with a live band and barbeque. Each year it is great to receive Christmas cards signed by all the tenants in appreciation of living in our houses. For two years in the past, we attended the annual state conference where we received the Oxford House “Landlord of the Year” award. It has been a pleasure over these past years to support and provide housing for such a great organization as Oxford House. We do not support HB1172 that would change how Oxford House operates. Sincerely, Richard and Sallie Hudson, Landlord Cacar Inc, owners
Good morning chairman and members of the committee, I am a mother of two children who have had issues with drug addiction. My oldest son found Oxford House several years ago after multiple admissions to rehab, stays in other types of halfway houses and living on the streets. I truly believe that Oxford House saved his life and brought the son I knew back to me. The principles behind Oxford House not only help him to maintain his sobriety, but also provide him with structure and skills like paying bills on time and housekeeping. All of the housemates have to come together as one unit to keep the house up and running which is unique to Oxford House and in my opinion is better than having a dedicated house manager because each housemate learns responsibility and accountability. Additionally, living in an Oxford House provides support from others who are going through the same thing which is a must for someone in recovery. My son got involved as the Chapter 11 chairperson and assisted the chapter Oxford Houses by helping them put processes in place so they could pay their house bills and stay afloat. He excelled in this capacity which eventually led to him being offered a position as an Outreach Coordinator with Oxford House. He loves his job and I couldn’t be prouder of him. He found his niche helping others while continuing to maintain his own sobriety and has become the man I always believed he could be. In conclusion, closing down Oxford Houses in Virginia would be detrimental for individuals who need a place to go when trying to maintain sobriety. Please vote NO on bill HB1172 in order to keep Oxford Houses alive for the sake of my son and so many others in recovery. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Charlene J. Plaine
Dear Chairperson and the Members of House Subcommittee, As a resident of Virginia I am disappointed that the bill HB1172 is being introduced for approval. Such a bill would enforce "profit" based recovery facilities and harm the operation of "not for profit organizations" like Oxford House International (OHI). As we all know that OHI is a nationwide non-profit organization that has been in existence for nearly 50 years, has more than 3,000 houses in operation in 44 states. In Virginia alone, there are more than 158 Oxford Houses providing excellent 1,300 recovery beds for men, women and women with children. To pass bills to diminish such well run organizations as OHI, which costs only $1.05 per bed per taxpayer, cannot be to the benefit of taxpayers and those that receive such services. THEREFORE, I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO VOTE NO TO HB1172. Sincerely, T. Alper A Resident of Virginia 6903 Dillon Avenue, McLean, VA 22101
Dear Virginia Delegate. After being made aware of HB1172 currently under review, we took the time to research and read the bill. As parents of a child who has used the Oxford House recovery residencies in Virginia for several years, we would like to share our gratitude for their program with you. As parents we can tell you that there are very limited affordable treatment and housing options for people attempting to recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Imposing additional regulations and restrictions on existing recovery housing is not the answer to addressing a shortage of viable options for people in recovery. The Oxford House is a program our son has been involved with for many years and currently resides in an Oxford House in Williamsburg VA. Our son is involved with the Oxford program because they offer a local housing option with multiple locations. We found “certified” recovery residences to be extremely expensive, had no openings and were mostly located out of state. Oxford on the other hand offers an affordable, safe recovery resident option with multiple housing options available in local communities throughout Virginia. We believe that for the State of Virginia to require that “no health care provider or behavioral health service provider who receives public funds or state agency shall refer a person with substance abuse disorder to a recovery residence unless the recovery residence has been certified by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services” will be detrimental to people in recovery. It would be different if the market was full of affordable recovery treatment and housing options but it is not. Your bill would be better written if it directed health care advisors to provide people in recovery all available recovery and residential options that are both certified and uncertified in order to provide families with as many options as possible to help them through recovery. Please vote no for HB1172. David and Laura Koubsky 4321 Lookout Road Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Good morning Chairperson and Members of the Committee – Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address all of you and to briefly tell you my experience with Oxford House both personally and professionally. My name is Linda Thimons and I am a very grateful recovering alcoholic with 202 days sober as of today. Oxford House has had an enormous part to play in that. I’ve been struggling with addiction most of my adult life, secretly through much of it, despite having a successful career in the human services field. I’ve tried just about everything to get sober. I’ve gone to rehab 4 times. I’ve gone to detox even more. I’ve done a LOT of therapy. I’ve tried church. I’ve tried willpower. I’ve tried to move from place to place. I’ve tried hypnosis. And I’ve lived in sober living in Pennsylvania, where I’m from. And I WOULD get sober at times. But I couldn’t stay sober. And I always felt deep down that I wasn’t really done. That the chains of addiction were not gone. Until 202 days ago...when I moved into Oxford House Pembroke in Virginia Beach, VA, and started to really work the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is not an overstatement to say that coming into an Oxford House has changed my life. The model of Oxford House, being self-governing and self-run, has been unbelievably empowering and motivating. Being responsible for myself and to my housemates makes such an incredible difference in my recovery. Knowing that no one “above” me is directing me to do the right thing...but, rather, my housemates and I are making collective decisions daily to be more responsible and accountable...that is making more of a difference in my life than anything previously has. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, and previously in Pennsylvania, I practiced as a substance use therapist for many years. I became very familiar with various sober living facilities and housing programs. Just like there are many paths to recovery, there are likely various ways to structure recovery housing. I can only speak to the effectiveness of the Oxford House model. As a professional, I witnessed a very high percentage of individuals achieve sustained sobriety in Oxford Houses. As a person in recovery, Oxford House has quite simply given me a new life. Please vote against this bill. Thank you for listening. Opposed to HB1172.
Dear Chairperson and Members of House Subcommittee #1, I am writing today because I strongly oppose HB1172. I currently rent six single family homes as Oxford Houses in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. I am the property manager for two others. I began renting to Oxford 16 years ago with my first rental property. Since then I have bought and renovated homes specifically for Oxford. I give this background because I believe in the offering that Oxford is to the recovery community. These houses are each autonomous and must operate independently while adhering to the basic tenants of Oxford. I find this to be beneficial to the individuals coming through the program for several reasons. They must learn to budget and manage money. They learn to dialogue with one another when issues arise. They also learn to work together as a unit to see that daily chores are completed, and house maintenance issues are resolved. The homes are set up so that the responsibilities are delegated to different members regularly. This gives opportunity for all to develop life skills that many are lacking simply because of addiction. They test members regularly and if someone is found to be using they are immediately made to leave. They do not tolerate any use of drugs or alcohol in their homes. They require members to attend AA, and NA meetings in order to live there. They require members to have jobs over to be actively searching for work. They are selective about where the homes are located so that there are bus routes or other easy access to a wide range of employment opportunities. Over the years my wife and I have had the privilege of helping dozens of members to move out on their own and forge ahead with their dreams and desires. We have done this because they work hard at recovery and sobriety and they frequently just need hand up to begin lives as productive citizens. Many of them continue to come back and help to educate new members and to counsel them. This bill would in effect shut down all Oxford Homes in Virginia. Currently Oxford House provides over 75% of all recovery residences in Virginia. While there are other recovery homes in Virginia they are primarily located in Richmond, leaving the rest of the state with no options except Oxford House. Losing the Oxford Homes spread throughout the state would leave thousands of people suffering with addiction with no options. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Sincerely, Tom Wright tntproperties911@gmail.com 757-615-8486Tom Wright tntproperties911@gmail.com
My name is Larry Morris, I am urging you to please oppose HB1172 as it would lead to the decertifying and closing of all 158 Oxford Houses with over 1,300 recovery residence beds for men, women, and women with children, all across the state. Oxford House is an incredibly successful, evidence-based model for self-run, self-supporting recovery homes that has been saving thousands of lives in Virginia for 32 years. Without our statewide network of Oxford Houses, more Virginians will remain in addiction and die. Please oppose HB1172!
My name is Christopher Shinabery and I have been an Oxford House Landlord since 2014 and I oppose HB277. I own homes in William D. Wiley's District 29, Joseph McNamara's District 8, and 2 homes in Sam Rasoul's District 11. I am a direct constituant of David LaRock District 33. Oxford House Inc. is a powerful, effective, and efficient organization that expands across the state. I have witnessed and am here to testify to the work that has been done. The Oxford House model is powerful to the person living in the home because it is a democratically self-run and self-supporting home in which the members hold positions of responsibility and hold each other accountable. Oxford House is effective. Oxford house has an 87.5% abstinence rate and its members are twice as likely to refrain from drugs and alcohol. The self governing/self-supporting components of the model is critical to the success of the program. Oxford house is efficient and extremely cost effective. There are over 150 Oxford houses across the state that provide housing for men, women, and women with children. I have 27 men and women that live in my homes. Even thought I am a small part of Oxford, I get to see the rewards on a daily/monthly/yearly basis as the members grow over time. The cost to the taxpayer is just over a dollar a day per bed. Amazing. Oxford House Inc serves it purpose across the state. Oxford House Inc. represents 75% of all recovery homes in Virginia. The decertification of Oxford House Inc would devastate the availability of recovery housing and would have a wide impact across the state to those who suffer from substance use disorders and their families. It would increase the financial burden of addiction on the state and increase recidivism rates. The removal OHI as a credentialing entity and require all certified recovery residences to be staffed should be removed or HB1172 should be defeated. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Good morning, My name is Bonnie Waterfield and I am a mother of an Oxford House alumni. My daughter explained to me that this bill would remove the ability of Oxford Houses and any houses for recovery to operate without paying a bunch of money to a private entity and then additionally employing a worker to be a house manager for each house. This would take money away from the residents and change how these houses function. These tenants are not insurance paid but self pay for their stay and the structure it provides. Why do they need to pay this private group money in order to remain certified? They are certified under the present legislation. As a mother, I am appalled at this legislation. Why would we remove options for these people? My mother paid for my daughters move in fee and first two weeks equal expense share. The rest of our family including myself had reached our breaking point and were done with my daughter. While living at an Oxford house my daughter started showing so many positive changes and was able to reconnect with us and be with us for the care of my mother at the end of her life. Today I have my daughter back. She moved out of Oxford in 2018 and has stayed sober and I was comfortable giving her my grandchildren back. I have my daughter back now. If you remove these Oxford houses and other houses that don’t have a caretaker from being certified you will be removing a valuable resource for these people who use drugs and have problems with drinking. Other parents like me will never have their daughter or son back. That in my opinion is so damaging. My daughter now owns a home and pays taxes and takes care of her children. She would not have thrived in a different environment and we had tried. Please do this mom a favor and vote no on HB 1172! Thank you !
Please vote NO to HB1172. Back in October, I entered a detox/rehab facility. Since then I have been to a detox center, rehab center and the Behavioral Department of a Hospital. After successfully completing the program I needed some place to stay. The rehab center was instrumental in placing me into an Oxford house. They provided me the referrals I needed to land a spot in several Oxford house. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for the Oxford house.
I am a current resistant at the Meg Davis Oxford house in Lynchburg Virginia. I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I was an independent woman and a successful teacher for 16 years until my addiction to alcohol caught up with me. For years, I struggled with fighting this disease on my own until I was introduced to A. A. and the Oxford program. I have been successful in my recovery because of the fellowship and support of the Oxford house program. I have a full time job, pay my bills on time, attend church again, and attend AA meetings daily because of the fellowship of the Oxford program. I have gain meaningful life long relationships through Oxford House. I am able to be independent again in every aspect of my life! Most importantly, I have gain my self worth again that alcohol took away from me. I feel strong in my recovery and my life again thanks to the Oxford House. Please oppose HB1172. Sincerely, Kelly Cosby
To the Members of the House of Delegates: I'm writing as a constituent of Michael P. Mullin (Virginia House of Delegates, 93rd District) regarding pending legislation related to those entities currently recognized as credentialing entities for the purpose of the certification of a recovery residence in the Commonwealth of Virginia; Oxford House is currently one of the recognized entities. I'm presently a member of Oxford House - Williamsburg and would like to convey the enormous and positive impact that my residency has had on my life. Oxford House is first and foremost a residence where I and the other elected members of the house live and actively work a program of recovery from drug and/or alcohol abuse. We adhere to a policy of complete abstinence from alcohol and drugs that are not prescribed by a licensed medical professional. We support and encourage each other to attend 12-step meetings, to obtain a sponsor and to work a program that it is uniquely tailored to each person. Our household is financially self-sustaining and the members are required to participate in the management and decision-making processes that are inherent in the effective running of a recovery residence. Because all members of the house bear an equal share of house management and oversight responsibility, compensation for that effort is unnecessary; we watch over and protect our own, much like the citizens of a neighborhood watch team. Accordingly, violation of established rules may result in a member being placed on probation or immediate expulsion, depending on the nature and circumstance(s) of the violation. These principles and their application in our house support the assertion that Oxford House has effective policies, procedures and internal controls in place to ensure that our House continuously meets and/or exceeds the prescribed standards needed for certification as a recovery residence in the Commonwealth of Virginia. During my residency at Oxford House - Williamsburg, I have experienced a period of sobriety that I was unable to achieve in 20 years of active addiction. Due to my sobriety, I currently practice a program of recovery, continuously build lasting personal and professional relationships and am having a career renaissance of sorts, due to my ability to reliably solicit, execute and deliver work products to my clients. Most importantly, I'm now a law-abiding productive member of society and, without Oxford House, I may very well have ended up as a casualty of this disease, like so many of our friends and family members. Make no mistake, Oxford House saves lives and it saved mine. I implore you to continue to recognize Oxford House as a certifying entity for recovery residences in the Commonwealth of Virginia WITHOUT the requirement (and financial burden) to have a compensated house manager on the premises of each Oxford House. Respectfully, Millard B. Souers, Jr. Williamsburg, VA
HB99 - Funeral service licensees, funeral directors, etc.; continuing education completion every 3 years.
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Dear Delegate, Protect religious freedom, vote YES for HB 306! Our religious freedoms do not end just because government bureaucrats declare a public health emergency. Our First Amendment rights apply at all times. Thank you, Kellie M. Good
Correction: Please vote YES for house bill 306! No one should be punished for exercising their right to religious freedom!!!!!
Please vote YES for house bill 106! No one should be punished for exercising their right to religious freedom!!!!!
I am really wanting you all not to pass this bill because Oxford House gives me a place to live at a price I can afford on disability it gives me stability Oxford House I would be homeless and if the bill does pass that means I rent would go up and I would be homeless again and I am doing very well I enjoy living in the Oxford House we have meetings once a week for our house and we have committee meetings and everything So please do not pass this bill I in begging you