HOUSING REFERRAL & RECOVERY STABILITY
Housing Referral and Discharge Housing Support
Ascend House Restorative Living LLC recognizes that stable housing is a critical component of long-term recovery. We help residents and referring professionals connect with housing resources in Maryland and the greater Baltimore area.
Why Housing Matters for Recovery
We recognize that housing instability is a critical barrier to health and recovery. Research shows that stable housing improves mental health outcomes, increases treatment adherence, and reduces hospitalizations.
"Without stable housing, people with mental illness or substance use disorders often cycle through hospitals, jails, and emergency rooms."
— National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023
"Permanent supportive housing is associated with reductions in psychiatric symptoms and improved treatment adherence."
— Padgett et al., Oxford University Press, 2016
"Housing is a form of healthcare."
— Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2020
This policy applies to all residential treatment services provided by Ascend House Restorative Living LLC, including programs operating at ASAM Levels of Care 3.1, 3.3, and 3.5, and to all clinical staff, program coordinators, counselors, case managers, discharge planners, and administrative staff responsible for coordinating services and supporting residents transitioning from residential care.
Our Approach to Housing Referrals
Ascend House provides residential treatment services but does not directly provide permanent housing. We recognize that housing stability is a key factor in maintaining recovery following residential treatment. When a resident expresses a need for housing or when staff determine that housing instability may place the resident at risk after discharge, we make reasonable efforts to assist the resident in identifying and accessing appropriate housing resources.
Housing referrals may include affiliated and non-affiliated housing providers, recovery housing programs, transitional housing, supportive housing, affordable housing programs, and emergency shelter resources. Referrals are intended to promote continuity of care and support the resident's transition into stable living conditions that support long-term recovery.
Recovery Stability and Relapse Prevention
Housing instability is a significant risk factor for relapse among individuals recovering from substance use disorders. As part of relapse prevention and recovery planning, we incorporate housing stability into treatment planning and discharge planning when appropriate. Staff work with residents to identify living environments that support sobriety, safety, and continued engagement in recovery-oriented services, including referrals to recovery housing, sober living residences, supportive housing programs, or other housing arrangements that promote stability.
Identification of Housing Needs
Housing needs may be identified during:
- Admission assessments
- Clinical evaluations and treatment planning
- Case management sessions
- Recovery planning discussions
- Discharge planning meetings
When housing instability is identified, staff document the housing need in the resident's treatment record and initiate the housing referral process.
Housing Referral Process
When housing needs are identified, the Program Coordinator, Case Manager, or other designated clinical staff member works collaboratively with the resident to identify appropriate housing resources. The referral process may include:
- Identifying housing programs appropriate for the resident's needs
- Assisting residents in contacting housing providers
- Assisting with completion of referral applications or required documentation
- Coordinating intake appointments with housing providers
- Providing information about housing eligibility requirements
- Communicating with housing providers when authorized by the resident
Integration with Discharge Planning
Housing needs are addressed during discharge planning when stable housing is necessary to support the resident's recovery. When housing referrals are made, the discharge plan may include recommended housing providers or programs, contact information for housing resources, referrals to transitional or supportive housing, information regarding recovery housing or sober living options, and instructions for accessing emergency housing services if needed. Residents receive housing referral information prior to discharge when housing needs have been identified.
How to Access Housing Referral Support
Residents in our residential treatment services may request housing referral assistance through their assigned Program Coordinator, Counselor, Case Manager, or other designated clinical staff member. Referring professionals, family members, or authorized representatives may also contact our administrative office to request assistance with housing referrals or community resource coordination.
Immediate need of shelter or emergency housing?
2-1-1 Maryland provides 24-hour access to housing and social service resources throughout the State of Maryland.
All housing referrals and housing-related discharge planning activities are documented in the resident's clinical record. Ascend House does not operate housing programs and cannot guarantee placement in any housing program or facility; referrals are intended to assist residents in accessing available community resources. We are committed to assisting residents in identifying housing options that promote stability, safety, and long-term recovery. Our program provides temporary residential housing during treatment at ASAM 3.1, 3.3, and 3.5; when a resident does not have an appropriate residence available after discharge, we may assist by providing referrals to recovery housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, or other community-based resources. Housing referrals are made only when an identified need exists and when the resident is not returning to their own stable community residence; residents are not required to accept any particular referral and may choose housing options independently.
Community Housing Resource Directory
Ascend House maintains a directory of community-based housing and recovery resources that may assist residents in securing stable housing following discharge. This directory includes affiliated and non-affiliated housing providers, transitional housing programs, emergency shelters, affordable housing resources, and recovery housing programs located in Baltimore City and surrounding areas.
Inclusion in this directory does not constitute endorsement of any provider and does not guarantee housing placement.
| Affordable Room Rentals and Homesharing |
|---|
| Apartments.com |
| Cirtru |
| HotPads |
| PadSplit |
| Rent.com |
| Roomies |
| Roomster |
| SpareRoom |
| St. Ambrose – 180 Homeshare |
| St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center |
| Zillow |
| Affordable Low-Income Housing |
|---|
| Ashland Commons – Baltimore |
| Clay Courts Apartments – Baltimore |
| DHCD Baltimore |
| Gilmor Homes – Baltimore |
| John Manley House – Baltimore |
| Orchard Mews Apartments – Baltimore |
| Penn Square Apartments – Baltimore |
| Rye House – Baltimore |
| Weinberg Manor West – Baltimore |
Need help with housing referral or admissions?
Call (443) 320-2654