My name is Raven Brantley , and I am writing as a family member of someone who has been impacted by Oxford House. My mother-in-law Crystal, has been involved with Oxford House, and I have personally seen the positive impact it has had on her life.

From my point of view, one of the most important things about Oxford House is that the people living there are able to support one another and hold each other accountable. It gives people a sense of responsibility, independence, and community while they are working on their recovery. I have seen how having that kind of support and structure can make a real difference.

I understand the importance of having rules and regulations that protect people living in recovery homes, and I support making sure these homes are safe. However, I believe the rules should recognize that Oxford Houses are different from commercial, staffed recovery homes. Oxford Houses are self-governing and self-supporting, and requiring things like paid staff or business requirements that don’t apply to the way Oxford Houses operate could prevent them from continuing to serve people in Virginia.

I respectfully ask that Virginia consider changing the proposed regulations so that they allow self-governing Oxford Houses to continue operating. I also ask that the state clarify whether the members of an Oxford House are considered the “operator” and recognize that these homes are not commercial businesses.

Oxford House provides an important source of support and stability for people in recovery, and I hope Virginia will create regulations that protect residents without unintentionally taking away a model that has helped so many people, including someone in my own family.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my comments.