Addiction doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution.
For me, the idea of quitting cold turkey never stuck. I needed something different—something real, human, and sustainable. That’s when I found The Mission’s Hope Program, run under the compassionate leadership of Peter Tilley.
Peter is more than the CEO of The Mission. He’s a visionary who understands that recovery isn’t always linear. He and his team created a program built on harm reduction—a model that saved my life when nothing else could.
What Is the Hope Program?
Unlike many rehab programs that demand total abstinence from day one, Hope meets people where they are. It focuses on:
Gradual detoxification
Mental health support
Safe housing and structure
Access to basic needs, respect, and dignity
For someone like me, whose addiction had spiraled until I was homeless and hopeless, Hope wasn’t just a lifeline—it was a doorway back into life.
Why Harm Reduction Matters
Not everyone can go cold turkey. I couldn’t. I tried.
What I needed was time. I needed to taper off, rebuild trust, feel human again—and the Hope Program gave me exactly that. Slowly, I came back to myself. My story, my voice, even my dream of writing returned.
Today, I’m clean. I’m working. I’ve written a crime thriller (Woody Buchman), and I speak to others about addiction, recovery, and how crucial it is to offer realistic solutions—not just ultimatums.
Thank You, Peter Tilley
Peter doesn’t just run a shelter. He steers a ship through stormy waters for hundreds of people who need safe passage. His commitment to harm reduction is progressive, compassionate, and incredibly effective.
Because of The Mission, and Peter’s leadership, I got my life back.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t count them out. Help exists—and sometimes it starts with Hope.
For more info on The Mission’s Hope Program, visit ottawamission.com
