House Expectations

At Next Steps Housing, we believe recovery is about more than sobriety. It is about rebuilding a healthy, stable, and meaningful life.

Our homes are built on accountability, respect, personal responsibility, and community. Residents are expected to actively participate in their own growth while contributing positively to the household.

Recovery & Personal Growth

Residents are expected to actively engage in their individual recovery and life-growth plan. This may include treatment, counseling, recovery meetings, employment, education, volunteer service, parenting responsibilities, or other personal goals.

We encourage residents to pursue growth in all areas of life, including physical health, emotional wellness, financial responsibility, relationships, and long-term independence.

Honesty & Accountability

Honesty is a cornerstone of recovery and healthy living.

Residents are expected to be truthful with staff, housemates, and themselves. We believe lasting change happens when people are willing to take responsibility for their actions, celebrate progress, and ask for help when needed.

A Substance-Free Environment

Our homes provide a safe, sober environment where residents can focus on recovery and personal growth.

The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, non-prescribed medications, or misuse of prescribed medications is not permitted.

Respect for Others

Every resident deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.

We expect residents to:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect
  • Maintain healthy boundaries
  • Avoid gossip and unnecessary conflict
  • Respect personal property
  • Communicate concerns appropriately

Romantic relationships between residents are not permitted, allowing everyone to focus on their own recovery journey.

Bedroom Boundaries

Residents are only permitted in their assigned bedroom.

Entering or spending time in another resident’s bedroom is not allowed, except when necessary to access a designated shared area of the home.

Respect for personal space, privacy, and boundaries is expected at all times.

Caring for the Home

A clean, organized environment contributes to physical, emotional, and mental wellness.

Residents share responsibility for maintaining the home by completing assigned chores, cleaning up after themselves, and helping care for common areas.

Taking pride in where we live is part of developing healthy habits, personal responsibility, and respect for others.

Community Living

Living with others requires cooperation, patience, and mutual support.

Residents participate in house meetings, contribute to the household, and are encouraged to support one another’s growth while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Before speaking, we encourage residents to ask:

  • Is it true?
  • Is it kind?
  • Is it helpful?

Safety & Security

To protect everyone in the home, residents are expected to:

  • Follow curfew and visitor guidelines
  • Keep medications stored safely
  • Respect house security procedures
  • Maintain a smoke-free indoor environment
  • Help create a safe and peaceful atmosphere for all residents

A Place to Grow

Our homes are not simply places to stay. They are places to heal, learn, rebuild, and prepare for greater independence.

We are committed to creating an environment where residents can develop the skills, habits, and confidence needed to move forward into the next chapter of life.This version feels much more aligned with the messaging you’ve been developing for Shepherd’s House and Independence House—dignity, accountability, life recovery, and healthy community rather than “here are 50 rules you can’t break.” It also reads much better on a website.