Ron Springel MD - Maine Association of Recovery Residences
David Best - Leeds Trinity University / Recovery Outcomes Institute
Maine’s recovery-housing network now hosts one of the nation’s richest coordinated datasets, pairing Recovery Capital (REC-CAP) assessments with the Housing Subsidy Services Program (HSSP). In this 60-minute session, MARR leaders walk through how systematic outcomes collection is improving practice, informing legislators, and strengthening ROI arguments. We open with a concise “MARR by the Numbers” snapshot that situates 90+ certified residences in Maine’s continuum of care. Next comes a practical tour of REC-CAP—why it was adopted, how it’s embedded in the Behave Health platform, and 4-month trendlines on employment, recurrence, housing stability, and criminal justice involvement across 500+ assessments (Sept 2022–May 2025). Data highlight persistent disparities for rural residents and women and flag large program size as a potential risk factor . We then examine HSSP results: 56,803 supported bed-nights, 1,635 residents served, and an independently calculated >$40 public return for every $1 invested (Fletcher Group/Dr. Madison Ashworth). Comparative research from Jason, Polcin, and Best places Maine’s findings in a broader evidence base . The session concludes with real-world examples of how REC-CAP dashboards have already influenced funding formulas and certification guidance, plus a brief resident story that personalizes the numbers. An optional QR code Airtable prompt invites attendees to note the one outcome metric they wish every state captured—informing a group discussion on implementation hurdles and data priorities. Participants leave confident in why consistent, statewide outcomes tracking matters and what early steps they can take to replicate or adapt the model.
2. Identify two priority groups revealed by Maine data—rural residents and women—that warrant targeted support.
3. State the documented Maine ROI (> $40 : $1) for recovery housing and its primary public-budget drivers.
4. List one actionable way outcomes data can shape funding or certification policy in attendees’ jurisdictions.