Interested in opening a sober house?

Learn how to build a thriving recovery community and access real estate, funding, and training to get started!

Your Three-Part Introduction to Recovery Housing Real Estate

From scouting properties to scaling operations, unlock everything you need to get started.

Courses, Tools, and Coaching for Recovery Housing Entrepreneurs

Your Instructors & Coaches

Dr. Hunter T. Foote

Founder & Executive Director | VSL

Dr. Foote is a nationally recognized expert in recovery housing development. As founder of VSL, his model has helped hundreds of homes across the U.S. achieve success. With a doctorate focused on scaling social enterprise, his approach bridges the gap between mission and margin — helping real estate developers and community leaders create safe, effective homes that change lives.

Russell J. Bartlett

Private Real Estate Financier

Russell J. Bartlett is a seasoned commercial loan broker and capital advisor with a deep track record in mission-driven real estate. Since 2023, he has helped VSL raise over $20 million to fund recovery housing projects. Russell brings unmatched expertise in financing strategy, lender negotiations, and deal structuring—equipping both operators and developers with the tools to fund and scale impactful housing. As a coach and instructor, he’s known for making complex capital strategies approachable, actionable, and aligned with purpose-driven growth.

Jim Lamorge

Chief Facilities Strategist | VSL

Jim Lamorge is VSL’s Director of Facilities, with decades of experience in property management, renovation, and small business ownership. A strategic thinker with a hands-on mindset, Jim has led major renovation projects, optimized building systems, and improved financial performance across the VSL portfolio. His expertise ensures every home is safe, compliant, and operationally sound. As a coach and instructor, Jim empowers others to master the operational side of recovery housing—blending practical know-how with smart, sustainable practices.

Recovery Housing Leadership Launchpad ➜

With expert-led training, personalized coaching, and access to a national leadership community, the Launchpad gives you every tool, resource, and connection you need to open your first recovery home with confidence and impact.

  • The Recovery Housing Leadership Academy

    $4,997 value

    Gain entry to our nine-part Leadership Academy, designed to build your expertise from the ground up. With courses covering leadership fundamentals, strategic planning, operations, and more, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to launch and lead a certified recovery home.

  • 1:1 Coaching to Bring Your Vision to Life

    $2,997 value

    Work directly with our expert mentors to map out your path to success. From your first property to your opening day, you’ll receive personalized guidance, accountability, and hands-on support tailored to your unique goals.

  • Exclusive Community & Immersive Training Experience

    Join the VSL Leadership Network—a national community of recovery housing operators—and gain access to real-world insights, collaborative problem-solving, and on-site training at our headquarters. Deepen your expertise through live workshops and behind-the-scenes tours of certified homes.

Available Grant Opportunities

The Vanderburgh Foundation is committed to making world-class training accessible for everyone.

This Launchpad designed to equip you for long-term success as a recovery housing leader by equipping you to open your first home. To help make this possible for leaders of all backgrounds, program applicants are automatically considered for grant funding through the Vanderburgh Foundation. Approved applicants will receive a personalized offer detailing available grant support and any remaining tuition, based on financial need and location. The Foundation's mission is to remove financial barriers for those ready to lead with purpose.
Submit a Grant Application