I live in Oxford House Rising Sun Fredericksburg Va. Oxford Houses are democratically self-governing and self-supporting under the Oxford House system of operations. The house being democratically run gives everyone an equal share of the governance of the house.

This makes everyone's opinions feel valued and assures a smooth operation. We do all of the houses financial and other requirements in a responsible manner without the need of a manager or supervisor. Having a superior in the house would make the democracy invalid and further complicate things such as the price of rent and counter the democracy aspect of the house.

The other housemates have helped me stay sober tremendously by allowing me to lean on and relate to them about previous experiences and to keep my sobriety. My health has dramatically improved since moving here mentally and physically. I have had a therapeutic like experience here talking to the guys; it has helped physically by allowing me to abstain from substances and alcohol. This has greatly enhanced my life and wellbeing. This has also substantially helped my legal case and has been a great steppingstone in my life.

There should be rules and guidelines for houses like this, but we should not have a paid staff in the house as this complicates the efficiency and efficacy of the house. Being democratically ran allows for a fair and reasonable governance of the house. This allows everyone's vote to be counted. Having a paid member in the house who has more sway would over complicate things and make the house ironically more unstable which is contradictory of what this bill is trying to accomplish.