Candice Whittaker of GARR: Setting Standards for Safe Recovery Housing
In this episode, Matt Shedd talks with Candace Whitaker, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR). Candace shares how GARR sets the standards for safe and ethical recovery housing in Georgia, helping families and individuals find trustworthy residences while preventing unsafe or exploitative environments.
She explains the inspection and certification process, the importance of policies and procedures, and how GARR supports recovery residence operators through training and education. Candace also introduces new initiatives, like their overdose response therapist network, aimed at supporting communities through traumatic events.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How GARR certifies recovery residences and protects against unsafe “flop houses”
Common oversights new operators make and how to avoid them
The four levels of recovery residences and what they mean for care
Key questions families should ask when looking for recovery housing
GARR’s new overdose response therapist network initiative
