Hello,

My name is Liam Gallmeyer. I lived at Kings Manor Oxford House from August 2024-August 2026. I am writing in regard to rules regarding how recovery residences in Virginia are run. Oxford Houses are self-supporting, and for me personally that was one of the biggest factors that lead to my success in recovery. When I moved into the Oxford House at age 26, I had no sense of how to properly live independently as an adult. Due to having substance abuse issues and unaddressed mental health problems most of my adult life I had never kept up with chores, paying bills, or any other normal adult responsibilities. Living in the Oxford House taught me the importance of prioritizing these things, and learning what it feels like to be responsible and accountable for my own actions. The way the model works, I was very clearly shown early on how my actions affect other people in the house, which prepared me for when I moved into my own apartment just last month. I was able to take on different leadership positions in the house during my stay, such as house president, chore coordinator, and treasurer; all of which taught me a variety of different life skills I don't know where I'd be without today. I was also fortunate enough to hold the position of chapter secretary for a year (a "chapter" of houses is a regional section of different houses). Oxford House not only kept me safe and sober, but gave me a sense of purpose for the first time in my life- which was a huge motivator for my sobriety. I am very concerned about the rules that require staff, or assume every home is a commercial business. These rules would prevent Oxford Houses from operating in Virginia. I am asking for these rules to be changed in order for others to get to experience the same "fresh start" I needed in order to get back on my feet, and please clarify whether house members would be considered "operators". This issue is immensely important to me because I would have been homeless and without guidance in 2024 without the help of Oxford House.

Thank you