By Cary Shuman
Steve Powers and his younger brother, Matty Powers, have made significant contributions to Chelsea and are now extending their efforts to surrounding areas, particularly Lynn. The Powers family continues its mission to improve communities through dedicated work.
On July 8, the Massachusetts Department of Health presented certification to the Powers brothers for their sober house facility in Lynn. Dr. Monica Bharel, DPH Commissioner, delivered the certificate, recognizing one of the first certified sober houses in Massachusetts history.
Residents of sober houses benefit from a transitional environment that bridges recovery programs and independent living within a supportive community setting.
Matty Powers, a recovering addict who has achieved sobriety, expressed his reaction to the achievement: “fblikebutton_button” “It’s nice to receive the certification. For a long time you felt like you were going unnoticed doing the right thing and now the state has recognized our efforts.”
The Commissioner commended the brothers’ accomplishment, noting that their facility adheres to the state’s most rigorous standards for sober houses and serves as a model for future operations.
In 2010, Steve Powers established Chelsea’s House, the first recovery program sober house in Lynn. The facility honors the late Robert Hinckley Jr., a former Chelsea High football player. According to Steve Powers, “fblikebutton_button” “We named it Chelsea’s House in honor of Chelsea’s Bob Hinckley, because he helped my brother get clean.”
“fblikebutton_button” “Bob was a part of a lot of younger guys in Chelsea getting clean,” Matty added.
Currently, Matty Powers serves as president of the Chelsea’s House facilities, overseeing operations across five sober houses in both Lynn and Chelsea that provide housing for 65 men.
The venture began with support from their father, former Alderman Steve Powers, and their brother Dennis Powers, who contributed expertise in construction and facility renovation.
Regarding their financial model, Steve explained: “fblikebutton_button” “We’re totally self-sufficient with Chelsea’s House. We started this with our own money and the money [clients pay $170 per week for rent] that is raised in those houses pay to keep them going.”
After observing substandard conditions at various sober houses where his brother had resided, Steve Powers resolved to establish his own facility that would meet higher standards. The Powers brothers have successfully addressed the significant demand for quality recovery housing.
Steve Powers described their approach: “fblikebutton_button” “We give them a healthy, clean, sober, drug-free environment to recover. A professional drug testing company comes in twice a week. We go the extra mile to make these houses like the houses our clients grew up in when they were kids living with their parents.”
Matty Powers maintains daily involvement with all sober house operations, meeting with house managers and monitoring residents’ recovery progress. Additionally, he coordinates group meetings to facilitate peer support among clients.
“fblikebutton_button” “I visit the houses every day. Our goal is to help our clients stay clean,” Matty stated.
Given the state’s ongoing opioid crisis, Steve emphasizes the critical need for sober housing options. He expressed feeling “fblikebutton_button” “blessed” that his brother achieved recovery and now dedicates himself to supporting others in their own recovery journeys.
Dr. Monica Bharel (far left), Commissioner of the Mass. Department of Health, and Richard Winant, President of Massachusetts Association for Sober Housing, present an award to Matt Powers and Steve Powers, granting certification to the sober house that the Powers brothers own and operate in the city of Lynn.