LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Members of the Louisville chapter Young People in Recovery are giving back to those that are unhoused and the earth by cleaning up syringes and other hazardous items in downtown Louisville.

Louisville native Billy O’Bryan is one of the members who joined the effort on Earth Day.   

“By getting the syringes up and dispose of them properly, we take the risk away for those being passed on,” O’Bryan, a Young People in Recovery program director says. 

O’Bryan has been in recovery for eight years. He says sharing needles can transmit diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C. 

Young People in Recovery works to provide support for those struggling with substance-abuse.

“Part of recovery is giving back. You know, a lot of us that are here have been in this situation before and, and have been on the streets or been close to being on the streets. 

The group says they want to show support for those that are unhoused and struggling with addiction.

“Even though they’re addicts and they’re living in the homeless society, that doesn’t mean they’re not loved or missed. You know, they’re still human beings, you know?,” Mary Beth Mattingly, with Young People in Recovery, said. 

O’Bryan, says when they are cleaning up, it not only helps the earth but also spreads the word that help is available. 

“And so it’s just a way for us to, to give back and, and really let the community know that we’re here and that we’ve got resources available for those people.”

The group hosts monthly cleanups. 

Young People in Recovery works to empower those in recovery and help them create a brighter future. The national nonprofit has 54 chapters in the country and 11 in Kentucky.