Choose the home,
not the promise.

The best residence is not the one with the broadest claims. It is the one that can explain, in writing and without pressure, exactly what it provides and whether that matches the resident’s needs.

1. Start with the required level of support

Write down what the person needs every day. Can he manage personal care, medications, meals, transportation, and appointments? Does he need clinical treatment, 24-hour supervision, accessibility accommodations, or emergency stabilization? A standard shared home should not accept someone whose needs exceed what it can safely provide.

2. See the actual living arrangement

Ask to see the current residence or verified recent photos. Confirm bedroom occupancy, storage, bathroom sharing, kitchen access, laundry, stairs, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, exits, cleanliness, neighborhood transportation, and where residents keep medications and valuables. Representative marketing images should be labeled as such.

3. Get every cost in writing

• Monthly fee, deposit, application fee, and move-in total.
• Utilities, food, transportation, supplies, and testing costs.
• Refund policy and required notice before moving out.
• Payment methods and whether a third party may pay.
• What happens if income or benefits are delayed.

4. Verify credentials word for word

Licensed, accredited, certified, approved, affiliated, and “aligned with” are not synonyms. Ask for the credential name, issuing organization, current status, expiration date, and public verification link. If the residence provides clinical services, ask who holds the professional license and which entity is licensed.

House of Hope is direct about its status: it is not licensed or accredited and does not provide clinical treatment.

5. Read the resident agreement and house rules

Review sobriety expectations, testing, medication policy, curfew, work or meeting requirements, visitors, overnight passes, vehicles, chores, conflict resolution, searches, privacy, discharge, and grievance procedures. Ask who makes decisions and whether rules can change without notice.

6. Pause when you see these red flags

• Pressure to pay immediately before seeing written terms.
• Guaranteed recovery, employment, benefits, housing outcomes, or placement.
• Vague answers about who owns or operates the home.
• Claims of approval or certification without a verifiable source.
• Requests for unnecessary medical or identity documents through unsecured channels.
• Referral kickbacks or pressure to use a specific treatment provider.
• No clear emergency plan or no explanation of service boundaries.

A trustworthy “no, we cannot meet that need” is more valuable than an unsafe yes.

7. Compare at least two realistic options

Use the same questions for each residence and record the answers. Consider fit, travel, outside services, long-term plan, and the resident’s own preference—not only the fastest opening.