A group home is different from a halfway house because it is not restricted to recovering addicts or convicted criminals , and also because the people who live there usually are asked or made to help maintain the household by doing chores or helping to manage a budget . A group home differs from a halfway house in that it is not restricted to recovering addicts or convicted criminals , and also in that residents usually are encouraged or required to take an active role in the maintenance of the household , such as by performing chores or helping to manage a budget .