There was a time when we didn't think we'd make it out. We were deep in addiction, sleeping wherever we could in Memphis, and doing whatever it took to survive. Every day, we said the same prayer: "God, get us out of this, and we'll come back for everyone we left behind."

We meant it.

When we finally got clean, we came back to Memphis to make that change. We began working with the streets and both sides of the law to buy old dope houses - the same kinds of places that once held us hostage - and turn them into hope houses. Safe recovery spaces where people can detox, heal, and rebuild their lives. Whenever possible, we hire folks who've escaped similar cycles of addiction, exploitation, or trafficking.

Today, we're reclaiming entire blocks, one house at a time. We're watching people find sobriety, safety, and dignity. We're seeing neighborhoods breathe again.