I am an Oxford House member in Virginia. I have been in recovery since April 19, 2023, and I have lived in Oxford House since September 6, 2023. Oxford Houses are democratically self-governing and self-supporting under the Oxford House system of operations.

Oxford House has played a major role in my recovery and in the person I have become today. When I first became part of Oxford House, I was given something incredibly important: the opportunity to rebuild my life while living alongside other people who understood recovery. As members, we run our homes ourselves. We elect officers, manage our finances, maintain our homes, resolve problems, and hold one another accountable. There are no paid staff. The self-governing model is a major part of what makes Oxford House work.

Through Oxford House, I have also been able to rebuild my relationships with my family members, including my parents, siblings, and most importantly the three children I affected most, who now allow me to be in my grandsons' lives. And for that I am most grateful.

I have also had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles, including Chapter Chair and Virginia State Association Housing Service Committee Chair. These experiences have shown me how much people in recovery can accomplish when they are given the responsibility and opportunity to serve others. 

I support reasonable regulations that protect people in recovery and ensure safe housing. However, requirements designed for commercially operated, staffed recovery residences should not unintentionally prevent self-governing Oxford Houses from operating. Research shows our model gets the best results. 

I respectfully ask DBHDS to:

1. Modify requirements that assume recovery homes have paid staff.
2. Clarify whether Oxford House members are considered the "operator."
3. Ensure requirements for business insurance and State Corporation Commission registration do not apply in a way that prevents Oxford Houses from operating.

Oxford Houses has given me more than a place to live--it has given me the opportunity to rebuild my life, become accountable, serve others, and grow as a leader. Please make sure Virginia's regulations recognize the difference between self-governing Oxford Houses and commercially operated recovery residences.

Thank you for considering the voices of those who actually live in Oxford House.