WISH provides independent sober housing where 16 women sustain their long-term recovery in a supportive and safe environment. Members must be free of substance use for a minimum of one year, contract to abstain from all substance use and other addictive behaviors, attend in-house twelve step meetings, participate in weekly house meetings, consent to the house rules, and fully participate in all additional aspects of recovery. To ensure a successful transition to independent living, residents are required to work and pay a monthly or weekly program fee. Peer mentorship is the cornerstone of the program, building upon positive relationships among residents to assist each other with relapse prevention skills, effectively manage daily life stressors, coordinate with community supports, and empower them on their own recovery journey. WISH has an onsite, live-in peer supervisor responsible for ensuring a safe, supportive, and healing environment.
WISH offers single and double room occupancy rooms (depending on availability) as well as shared kitchens, living rooms, laundry, cable, yoga room, community meeting room, outdoor recreational area, and pool. Residents share the responsibilities associated with the basic upkeep of their home.
Located near downtown Newburyport, WISH is within walking distance to numerous stores, gyms, library, banks, restaurants, medical offices, houses of worship, parks, and easily accessible to beaches. The residence is located on a bus route that connects to the train station and bus stations.
WISH, a self-supporting program managed entirely by Link House, is a model for affordable housing for individuals in recovery.