Shawn Ryan Show - "You Either Do This or Die" - Inside One of America's Most Dangerous Zipcodes
Ben Owen and his wife Jess, both former addicts, have turned their lives around and are now dedicated to helping others in Memphis overcome addiction. They have purchased and renovated former drug houses, known as trap houses, where they once used drugs and witnessed sex trafficking. These houses are now being used to provide skills training and transitional living programs for recovering addicts. The couple's efforts are focused on one of the deadliest ZIP codes in Tennessee, where crime and addiction are rampant. By offering opportunities for skill development and recovery, they aim to change the narrative for young men and women in the area, providing them with alternatives to a life of crime and addiction. Their work is supported by data from law enforcement agencies, highlighting the significant impact of drug-related crime in the region. The initiative not only aids in addiction recovery but also addresses mental health issues, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Key Points:
- Ben Owen and Jess are former addicts who now help others recover by buying and renovating former drug houses.
- They focus on providing skills training and transitional living programs in one of Tennessee's deadliest ZIP codes.
- Their initiative addresses both addiction recovery and mental health issues, offering a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
- The couple's work is supported by law enforcement data, showing the link between drug-related crime and community suffering.
- Their efforts provide young people with alternatives to crime, aiming to change the narrative in high-risk areas.
Details:
1. ✨ Transforming Lives: From Addiction to Advocacy
- Ben Owen, a man who identifies as a recovered longtime crackhead junky alcoholic, now plays a pivotal role in supporting others in Memphis dealing with addiction.
- Alongside his wife Jess and their team, Ben leverages personal recovery experiences and business skills to combat addiction in Bluff City effectively.
2. 🏚️ Revisiting the Past: Transforming Trap Houses into Homes
2.1. Transformation of 1428 Wilber Street
2.2. Personal Journey of Overcoming Addiction
3. 🚪 Shutting Down the Trap Houses: A New Beginning
- A couple, who have been clean for 5 years, returned to Memphis from Georgia and purchased former crack houses where they once used drugs and witnessed sex trafficking, marking a significant step in their recovery journey.
- These properties, known as 'trap houses,' were central to narcotics distribution and sex trafficking, impacting the community negatively by fostering crime and violence.
- The organized crime unit shut down a trap house on Wilber Street in 2012, which was notorious for criminal activities, including the disappearance and tragic death of a friend of the speakers, highlighting the area's dangerous past.
- After purchasing these houses, the couple transformed them into spaces that offer community support, aiming to heal the wounds caused by their former use. This initiative has been a significant step towards community rehabilitation and prevention of future crimes.
- The couple's transformation of these properties has been met with positive responses from the community, who view it as a symbol of hope and renewal, illustrating the power of redemption and the impact of turning a negative past into a positive future.
4. 📊 South Memphis: Unveiling Harsh Realities
- The infant mortality rate in South Memphis is higher than in many third-world nations, indicating severe health and social challenges.
- South Memphis is identified as one of the deadliest ZIP codes in Tennessee, which is already one of the deadliest states in the U.S.
- Statistically, young men in South Memphis are more likely to be dead or incarcerated than employed or in school, highlighting a critical social issue.
- Law enforcement data suggests that over 90% of violent crime in Tennessee can be traced back to this area, underscoring its significance in state crime statistics.
5. 🔗 Breaking the Cycle: Crime, Influence, and Opportunity
5.1. Crime, Influence, and Glorification
5.2. Interventions and Societal Impact
6. 🛠️ Empowering Recovery: Skill Building and Mental Health
- A skills training workshop, such as a Woodworking Shop, has been established to provide opportunities in one of the deadliest ZIP codes in America, indicating a focus on community upliftment and economic empowerment.
- The workshop not only teaches practical skills but also supports mental health recovery, addressing issues like anxiety and depression by providing a constructive outlet for individuals.
- Engagement in the workshop helps participants identify their purpose, with an emphasis on service to others, suggesting a holistic approach to personal development and community service.
- The skills training specifically aids mental health recovery by offering a sense of accomplishment and reducing feelings of isolation, which are common in high-risk areas.
- Participants learn tangible skills like woodworking, which can lead to employment opportunities, thus directly impacting their economic stability and mental well-being.
7. 🔄 Stories of Transformation: Hope and New Beginnings
- Individuals like Chris, who suffered severe physical trauma, transformed their lives through structured programs like the Transitional Living Program, finding new purpose in activities such as house renovation.
- Participants often faced extreme challenges, including substance abuse and criminal activities, before joining the program.
- The program provided a structured and supportive environment that enabled recovery from addiction, with some participants overcoming life-threatening conditions.
- Beyond physical recovery, the program offered a renewed sense of purpose and direction, significantly altering the life paths of many participants.