From Addicts to Heroes: Ben & Jessica Owen’s Fight to Save Lives

In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, Ben and Jessica Owen’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. Once trapped in the cycle of addiction, homelessness, and despair, they have now dedicated their lives to rescuing others from the very struggles they once faced. Through their non-profits, Flanders Fields and We Fight Monsters, they are on a mission to transform lives, one recovery at a time. Their work is not just about providing aid it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of purpose to those society often overlooks.

Descent into Darkness

Ben and Jessica weren’t always the inspiring leaders they are today. Their past is one filled with pain, struggle, and loss. At their lowest point, they found themselves deep in addiction, living in abandoned houses and crime-ridden neighborhoods where drugs, violence, and exploitation were everyday realities. They had lost everything stability, dignity, relationships, and even the hope that life could be different. Days were spent in a fog of substance abuse, surrounded by others who were also drowning in addiction, while nights were filled with desperation and fear. The trap houses they lived in were more than just places to get high they were places where human trafficking, abuse, and crime thrived, leaving many with little chance of escape.

For years, the cycle seemed unbreakable. Every attempt to get clean was met with relapse, and every ounce of hope was crushed under the weight of addiction. But in their darkest moment, when everything seemed lost, they made a desperate prayer: If we can get out of this together, we will go back and save others. It was a promise born out of pain, but one that would shape their future and impact countless lives.

A Pledge to Transform

That desperate prayer became the foundation of their life's work. After finally breaking free from the grip of addiction, Ben and Jessica knew they couldn’t simply move on and forget those they left behind. They had seen too much suffering too many people trapped in the same nightmare they had barely escaped. They understood the hopelessness, the fear, and the overwhelming struggle of trying to rebuild a life from rock bottom. With this in mind, they made a choice: they would dedicate themselves to helping others find the same freedom they had fought for.

Their first step was creating Flanders Fields, a nonprofit focused on assisting veterans battling addiction, PTSD, and the challenges of reintegration into society. Many veterans fall through the cracks, struggling with substance abuse and homelessness due to a lack of resources and support. Ben and Jessica saw this as an urgent crisis and made it their mission to provide these heroes with the help they deserved. But their work didn’t stop there. They realized that addiction, trauma, and human suffering weren’t limited to veterans it was everywhere. They knew firsthand that those trapped in addiction, ex-convicts seeking redemption, and survivors of trafficking all needed a second chance.

To expand their efforts, they launched We Fight Monsters, an organization that goes beyond traditional outreach. They don’t just offer food and shelter they actively rescue people from dangerous situations, provide them with a place to heal, and help them rebuild their lives.

Building Sanctuaries from Ruins

Rather than allowing abandoned drug houses to continue being hubs for crime and suffering, Ben and Jessica saw an opportunity to reclaim them. They began purchasing or taking over these properties, but not to demolish them instead, they transformed them into “hope houses.” These homes became places of refuge for those looking to escape addiction, survivors of human trafficking, and individuals seeking a fresh start.

Each home offers more than just shelter it provides structure, community, and the support necessary for long-term recovery. Residents are given access to rehabilitation programs, job training, and counseling, ensuring they have the tools needed to rebuild their lives. These homes serve as proof that recovery is possible, no matter how deep someone has fallen.

Since starting this initiative, Ben and Jessica’s efforts have helped over 75 individuals including entire families and newborns find safety and stability. People who once had no hope now have a place to heal, grow, and start over. Their work is not just about changing individual lives; it’s about transforming entire communities.

Community Revitalization Initiatives

Ben and Jessica’s fight isn’t just limited to Memphis. Their mission has expanded across the country and beyond, reaching people in crisis all over the world. From working to rescue individuals trapped in human trafficking to supporting veterans struggling with PTSD, their work has taken them to some of the darkest and most dangerous places.

They have helped evacuate people from Afghanistan, provided aid to war-torn areas in Ukraine, assisted families devastated by the Uvalde school shooting, and even stepped in to help communities affected by natural disasters like the Lahaina wildfires. Their impact spans across borders, proving that hope and compassion know no limits.

Their work has gained recognition from major advocates, including former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan and Green Beret Scott Mann, who have praised them as true warriors in the battle against addiction, trauma, and exploitation. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that no life is beyond redemption and that even the most broken pasts can be used to create something extraordinary.. 

 A Call to Action

Now, Ben and Jessica are ready to share their journey with the world through their upcoming memoir, We Fight Monsters. This book isn’t just a personal story it’s a call to action. It sheds light on the realities of addiction, the horrors of human trafficking, and the power of second chances. More importantly, it shows that change is possible, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem.

Their Kickstarter campaign is now live, and they need support to bring this important story to life. Whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply sharing their message, every bit of support helps them continue their fight to save lives.

To support their mission and learn more about their transformative work, visit We Fight Monsters and Flanders Fields.