RootedCo-Living
|Jumaane Bey

A Guide for Case Managers: Referring Clients to Sober Living

A practical guide for case managers and social workers on how to evaluate and refer clients to sober living homes. Includes red flags, what to look for, and how Rooted Co-Living's referral process works.

Why Sober Living Matters for Your Clients

As a case manager, you already know that housing is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery outcomes. Clients who transition from treatment into stable, structured housing are significantly less likely to relapse compared to those discharged to unstable or unsupportive environments.

Sober living homes serve as a critical bridge. They provide the structure, peer support, and accountability your clients need during the vulnerable period between treatment and full independence. For clients navigating homelessness, re-entry, or chronic relapse, sober living can be the stabilizing factor that makes everything else possible.

What to Look For in a Sober Living Program

Not every sober living home meets the standards your clients deserve. Here is what to evaluate when considering a referral:

Structure and Accountability

Look for homes with clearly defined house rules, curfew hours, drug testing protocols, and consequences for violations. A well-run home balances accountability with dignity — enforcing rules without dehumanizing residents.

Support Beyond Housing

The best sober living homes offer more than a bed. Look for programs that include peer support, house meetings, case management, life skills programming, and connections to external resources. Rooted Co-Living's services include all of these as part of our all-inclusive model.

Cost and Financial Transparency

Your clients may have limited income. Ask for a clear, written breakdown of costs. Are utilities included? Is there a deposit? What payment methods are accepted? Avoid programs that charge excessive fees or require large upfront payments.

At Rooted Co-Living, the cost is $1,200 per month or $40 per day — all-inclusive with no security deposit. We accept ACH, checks, money orders, and cash.

Staff Experience

Who runs the home? Staff with lived recovery experience, social work backgrounds, or housing expertise are a strong indicator of program quality. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios and availability.

NARR Level Alignment

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) defines four levels of recovery housing. For most clients stepping down from treatment, a Level II or Level III home is appropriate. Rooted Co-Living provides structured, monitored housing with peer support and house management.

Red Flags to Watch For

When evaluating sober living homes on behalf of your clients, be alert to these warning signs:

  • No clear house rules or written agreements. A legitimate program has documented policies.
  • No drug testing. Regular testing is a baseline accountability measure in any credible sober living home.
  • Overcrowding. Too many residents in too small a space creates safety risks and undermines recovery.
  • Lack of staff oversight. If no one is monitoring the home, problems escalate quickly.
  • Hidden fees or vague pricing. If the home cannot give you a clear, written cost breakdown, move on.
  • No connection to external services. Good sober living programs encourage or require residents to engage in treatment, meetings, or other recovery activities.
  • Resistance to visits or questions. A quality program welcomes referral partners and is transparent about operations.

How Rooted Co-Living's Referral Process Works

We have designed our referral process to be straightforward for case managers:

Step 1 — Initial Contact

Reach out to us at (949) 565-5285 or info@rootedcoliving.com. You can also use our contact page and select "Refer a client" as the inquiry type. We will discuss your client's needs and current availability.

Step 2 — Application

Submit the online application at rootedcoliving.com/apply. On the first step, select "I'm a case manager" and enter your information alongside the client's details. The application takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3 — Review

We review applications within 2 to 3 business days. We will contact you directly with an update on your client's status.

Step 4 — Intake

Once approved, we coordinate move-in with you and your client. We provide all house rules, expectations, and orientation materials during intake.

What Information You Will Need

To streamline the referral, have the following ready:

  • Client's full legal name and date of birth
  • Valid photo ID (can be uploaded later if not immediately available)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Brief recovery and treatment history
  • Any current medications or medical needs
  • Insurance information (Medi-Cal or other, if applicable)
  • Your contact information as the referring case manager

We Welcome Referral Partners

Rooted Co-Living works with treatment centers, hospitals, probation departments, county agencies, and independent case managers across the Inland Empire and beyond. We welcome facility tours and are happy to answer any questions about our program.

If you would like to schedule a visit or discuss a client referral, contact us today or call (949) 565-5285.

Refer a Client Today

Your clients deserve stable housing that supports their recovery. Rooted Co-Living provides structured, affordable, all-inclusive sober living in Corona, California — and we make the referral process as simple as possible for you.

Submit a referral or call us at (949) 565-5285.

Jumaane Bey

Founder, Rooted Co-Living

Jumaane leads housing operations at Rooted Co-Living, providing structured recovery residences in Southern California.

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