During this difficult time, Oxford Houses of Virginia have come together to support each other and their fellow house mates. Below are a few steps which can help ensure the safety of yourself and fellow Oxford House members.
Wash your hands
Many members of Oxford House are essential workers. This means that many will need to leave their house for work. Many houses have instituted a policy where all members returning to their house must wash their hands as soon as they enter their house.
Guests
Quite a few Oxford Houses in our state have implemented a rule disallowing guests and/or overnight guests. This is to protect fellow members of their house from potential exposure, and also for the guests’ safety. During this unprecedented time social distancing guidelines must be followed. This includes limiting yourself and your housemates contact to as few people as possible.
Interviews
Oxford House’s primary purpose is to provide a safe and stable place to live for the drug addict/alcoholic who needs it. With this goal in mind, Oxford House’s are encouraged to continue holding interviews to fill their houses. Steps can be taken to ensure the safety of the interviewee and the house members. Phone interviews can be held in lieu of in person interviews. In person interviews can still be held as long as necessary precautions are taken. Some houses have held interviews in their back yard, or simply in their home while following the 6 foot distancing rule. Ultimately it is up to your house how to hold interviews.