As a mental health professional, I have worked with a number of those in Oxford Homes during their recovery, and it has made a significant impact on their progress. It provided them with stability, community, and a safe space where they could grow and improve their lives. In crisis stabilization, I had several individuals who were able to join an Oxford home, where they were able to exercise independence and accountability with their sobriety while also having others be a resource to them as well. I have seen individuals in Oxford Homes rebuild connections with their families, find stable employment, and maintain their health simply by having this program in their lives. Many other sober living programs rely on agencies and staff governing individuals in the home, whereas in Oxford homes they are self-governed, providing democracy and an active role in decision-making. I've also seen this program's impact in my personal life with my loved ones. In my professional and personal opinion, Oxford Homes are vital to the overall well-being of those in recovery and give them the ability to maintain their sobriety in a safe and healthy way. The way that the new regulations are written would essentially eliminate the housing element for individuals in this home, which would be detrimental to their lives and their recovery. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that approximately 38% of unhoused individuals struggle with alcohol abuse and 26% struggle with drug misuse. Additionally, research from the National Coalition for the Homeless shows that substance abuse is more prevalent in people who are homeless than in those who are not. In most cases, substance abuse is the result of the stress of homelessness, and some people may cope by using substances. With this known data and research, it would be highly irresponsible and not in the best interest of the people that DBHDS works to help in Virginia. I implore you to reconsider these changes and even to conduct your own research into how successful this program has been for countless people and their families. 

References: 

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics-demographics/homeless