Our mission to take back the streets of Memphis began with the simple - yet monumental task - of shutting down a single "trap house" (a house where narcotics and women were bought and sold).

We accomplished that objective, and then rinsed and repeated a few more times, getting more and more addicts/survivors into treatment and on their way to self-sustainment with each iteration.

As we continue doing this work, one thing that is becoming more and more apparent is that those we serve who lack economic opportunity are just as likely to relapse into old behaviors as those who lack purpose.  

Jobs for folks with a background like many of our beneficiaries aren't always easy to find.

Another thing that is becoming apparent is that as we reduce the number of individuals in active addiction in a given geography, the profit incentive behind selling dope becomes lessened quickly - which is good.  But, it leaves a power vacuum on those streets, and absent job opportunities for the "dope boys", alternate illicit means of making a living become tempting.

We've done a few test runs of creating jobs and have seen dope boys (drug dealers) turn 100% legitimate and run businesses, employing the very same addicts they once sold dope to - which is absolutely incredible - and we've seen addicts become successful entrepreneurs as well.

Our methods have drastically reduced violent crime on the streets where we operate, but there is SO much more we can do, and job creation is where we can do it.

Operation Gangland Express has leased a 10,000sqft warehouse from which we will operate as a small business incubator, a trade school, an intensive outpatient program, and a place for those in early recovery to forge positive relationships, find mentorship, and more.

Every dime that goes into this effort will have a direct and measurable impact on reducing crime, alleviating suffering, getting people out of poverty, giving them a reason to stay clean, the means with which to provide for their children, and eventually run their own business, creating jobs in a geography they are needed most!