Sober home in South Portland goes a week without full utilities as owner remains unresponsive

South Portland men uncover foreclosure and service failures at Massachusetts‑based sober‑living provider

A group of men in South Portland discovered that Vanderburgh Sober Living, a Massachusetts‑based provider of sober‑living facilities, has a documented history of foreclosing on its own properties and delivering substandard service.

The men had been searching for a sober‑living environment after completing treatment programs in the region. They were led to a property in South Portland that was advertised by Vanderburgh as a secure, supportive setting for individuals in recovery. However, the facility soon turned out to be in the midst of a foreclosure process, and the men were abruptly told that they could no longer stay.

The group reported that the property had been seized by the bank and that the company’s representatives had failed to provide the promised accommodations or communicate clearly about the status of the property. They also noted that other residents had experienced similar problems, including delays in meal service, inadequate maintenance, and lack of staff support.

Vanderburgh Sober Living has been cited in past consumer‑complaint filings for similar issues, including a 2019 investigation that found the company had closed several of its facilities in a short period of time. The Massachusetts Department of Health has noted that the company’s facilities sometimes do not meet the state’s standards for safe and adequate care.

The South Portland residents have filed complaints with the Maine Consumer Protection Agency and are considering legal action. In a statement to the agency, the group said they had been misled about the availability and quality of the facility and that they were now seeking restitution.

The Maine Attorney General’s office has opened an inquiry into the claims against Vanderburgh Sober Living. The investigation will look at whether the company’s practices violate state regulations and if the foreclosing of the South Portland property was conducted in a manner that harmed residents.

The company has not yet released a formal response to the complaints. It remains to be seen whether the findings will prompt further enforcement actions or changes to its business model.