Oxford House and Christian Grace - Two Paths, One Critical Mission: Saving Lives in Recovery!
Oxford House and Christian Grace Recovery Homes
Two Different Roads to Success
Georgetown, DE – Committing to a recovery home is the most important decision you can make after choosing sobriety. Now you have the opportunity to shape what sober living will look like for you, and fortunately, Sussex County offers dozens of great options.
By far, the largest number of recovery homes in Sussex County are Oxford Houses. Since 1975, Oxford House has pioneered the concept of peer-run housing and helped shape federal housing laws protecting people in recovery. Today, its model—rooted in AA and NA principles—is the most widely recognized name in sober living.
Christian Grace is a smaller, private organization with five properties in Georgetown. Its mission—to provide safe, affordable sober living for residents committed to their recovery—aligns closely with Oxford House, and many of the same principles apply to both.
David Forman, President and Founder of Christian Grace Sober Living, says, “Recovery houses are not all alike. The chemistry within any house depends largely on the mix of personalities and how well residents learn to get along—often in close quarters and during challenging seasons of their lives.”
Forman notes that people, especially in early recovery, respond very differently to structure, including correction and discipline.
“Choosing the right house is an individual decision, critical to long-term success,” says Forman. “Some thrive under strict, mandated rules, while others may be negatively affected. Some need more encouragement and social interaction in a busier home, while others prefer a quieter space for their journey.”
Understanding the differences in allowances, rules, and privileges is the best place to start when making an informed choice.
With at least 90 Oxford Houses statewide — including 20 in Sussex County alone — the organization offers far more beds within its network. Vacancies are easy to find thanks to a well-maintained national database, updated regularly. You can view it here: Oxford House Vacancies.
Christian Grace currently operates five houses — four for men and one for women — all located in Georgetown, with plans for expansion in the near future. In general Christian Grace offers many more private rooms, and shared spaces are limited to one roommate.
Rather than competing, these two models serve different needs. Each offers unique strengths, policies, and living environments, and together they provide a stronger safety net for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent living.
Compare and Contrast
Admission Criteria: Oxford House can accept residents on methadone; Christian Grace cannot. Oxford House may admit individuals with less than 30 days clean; Christian Grace requires at least 30 days. Oxford House is not 420-friendly; Christian Grace allows marijuana use with a valid medical card, provided it is consumed away from the house.
Governance: Oxford Houses are self-run by residents, fostering peer accountability. Christian Grace operates with standardized rules and professional oversight.
When a candidate isn’t a fit for one program — or is asked to leave for reasons other than relapse — they can often be referred to the other, ensuring people remain housed and supported.
Shared Strengths
Despite their differences, Oxford House and Christian Grace both:
- Offer affordable, structured housing during early recovery
- Enforce drug- and alcohol-free environments
- Provide community support to reduce relapse risk
- Encourage residents to take active roles in their own recovery
Together they ensure more people in Delaware — and especially Sussex County — have access to the right housing at the right time. Both are alike in building stronger communities, higher recovery success rates, and a shared commitment to helping people rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one is in need of a sober living recovery house, reach out to Oxford House to learn more about their requirements for specific addresses. At Christian Grace each property provides the following amenities:
- Private and semi-private rooms
- One or more full bathrooms on each floor
- Gourmet kitchens with new appliances
- Comfortable shared living spaces
- Free Laundry
- High-speed internet access
Eligibility requires a minimum of 30 days of sobriety, active participation in recovery, and the ability to work at least part-time or volunteer outside of the house. Homes are also open to individuals who are not transitioning from formal treatment but wish to live in a drug-free, alcohol-free environment.
Applications and additional information are available at Christian-Grace.com. Inquiries may also be directed by text to David Forman at (302) 500-3881.
*This article reflects the operational model and program offerings of Christian Grace Supportive Homes as of Spring 2025. All properties are based in Georgetown, Delaware
