HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Change the world one life at a time. That's the plan of attack for the growing drug addiction problem.

It's also the mission for a new program that plans to turn addicts into assets in our communities. The Shepherd's House aims to shine another light on an otherwise dark epidemic.

“I’ve been drinking since 1980, did cocaine and smoked crack” said Mike Pickett.

Pickett was a drug addict for 25 years. He tried numerous short-term rehab programs, but nothing worked until he encountered a long-term program with promise.

“It was peer to peer, more spiritual and less clinical," he said. "It worked for me and has worked for thousands.”

It's exactly the kind of program Minister Anthony Stradwick is bringing to Huntington. It's called The Shepherd's House.

“Our goal is instead of just recovery, helping them be restored to life," Stradwick said. "Men need to be men and provide for their families.”

This empty house eventually will be a fulfilling home to 10 men at a time for six to 12 months. The program will meet them after short-term recovery and carry them to a sobering independence through job readiness, life skills and community service.

“Right now, we’re just putting a Band-Aid on the problem, and men are coming out and going back to same problems and relapsing,” Stradwick said.

The men will pay a small monthly fee to stay here and contribute to operating expenses, but this project needs community support before it can open the door.

“If you want to donate a bed, donate sheets,” said Pickett.

“People can give money," Stradwick said. "We need $15,000 in start-up funds.”

Pickett said such a program is a small investment in a life. After his rehabilitation, he went on to work for Prestera and help others.

The Shepherd's House is the first project under Stradwick's Salt of the World Ministries. He's partnered with Prestera and Victory Ministries led by New Life Church Pastor Darrell Huffman.