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Residential Program

First Step Recovery House was founded on the belief that lasting recovery is nurtured through structure, accountability, and the support of a caring community. Our residences provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home, creating a comfortable environment, fostering wellness and personal growth. Residents are encouraged to bring willingness and commitment to their recovery journey, supported by peers and guided routines. By combining daily structure, life skills development, and strong community connections, First Step Recovery helps individuals build a solid foundation for long-term healing and success.

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Our

Foundation

About Our Houses / Housing Program

First Step Recovery requires active participation in a 12 Step Program, including working with a sponsor and maintaining personal accountability. Members are expected to engage in productive daily routines by seeking employment, enrolling in school, or volunteering with local nonprofit organizations. This structure helps individuals build responsibility and stay focused on their recovery journey.

Our program is peer-supported and operated, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. House members are assigned roles and responsibilities that promote discipline and leadership. Weekly house meetings are mandatory and led by appointed residents or program graduates, ensuring stability and open communication. First Step Recovery enforces a strict Zero-Tolerance Policy to maintain a safe and sober living environment for all.

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Financial

Aid

House
Scholarships

People come to treatment from all backgrounds, and for some, finances can be a challenge. At First Step Recovery, we understand this and work with individuals to create flexible payment plans. Our goal is to ensure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of recovery. We help residents get on their feet, find employment, and set up manageable arrangements to cover move-in costs and deposits. 


For more information or to apply, please contact us at 802-355-3797.

A New

Chapter

Who Qualifies

This program is for individuals seeking change and want ongoing support through a long-term aftercare program. 

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Male /18 Years or older

Medically Cleared

$350 Deposit
+ 2 weeks

$150 Weekly Fee

3 -12 Month Stay

Not on Maintenance

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Our

Heart

House Locations

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Colchester, Vermont

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Burlington, Vermont

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Chittendent County
Vermont (TBA)

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In The 

News

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are our most frequently asked questions about our residential living sober housing. 

  • First Step Recovery is a long term, non-maintenance residential aftercare program.

  • To enter First Step Recovery you must be medically cleared by a Physician. This means there are no mind altering substances in your system and you are stable.

  • Yes, If you have not come from a rehab or detox you may apply - but we are not a medical treatment facility - we will assess each case individually. You still must obtain medical clearance from a physician to be admitted into residential aftercare.

  • We are located in Burlington and Colchester Vermont - near accessible transportation for those who do not have automobile.

  • You can apply for membership to our program by filling out our Recovery Intake Form provided by the link above, or by calling or Program Liaison at (802) 825-4977. We will conduct a phone screening and will talk about the options you may have. If you are applying from a treatment or correctional facility, please advise your caseworker about your interest in our program and they will help you get started.

  • First Step Recovery requires a Deposit Fee of $350 and the first 2 weeks paid upon arrival. This fee will cover your first two weeks of membership, and the Program Deposit which can be redeemed for your last two weeks of membership if the program is successfully completed.

  • If you are unable to afford the deposit fees, we will provide you with access to scholarship or make arrangements with you to pay them at a later date.

  • First Step Recovery collaborates with multiple non profit charities to help individuals with weekly membership fees as we understand that many people are trying to get back on their feet. We also work with different Recovery Employment agencies dedicated to helping people in recovery find jobs fast. Scholarships to cover entrance fees can be discussed with our Program Liaison during the intake screening.

  • This is a long term aftercare program that is 3 months to 12 months. Each person's graduation date is determined by the staff depending on the plan created upon entering.

Start 

Here

Apply Today

Ready to take your first step toward recovery? Contact our staff today to start the process. We will walk you through what you will expect during each part of your journey with First Step Recovery.

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