‘Hope lives here’ as Motif sober living recovery home opens in Albany

ALBANY — Just a few months after founders were racing to meet fire safety requirements and raise money for a sprinkler system, Motif officially celebrated the opening of its new women’s sober living home last week with a ribbon-cutting attended by supporters, volunteers and community leaders.

For co-founders Mo Taylor and Tiffany Cox, the celebration marked the culmination of a vision that began nearly five years ago and one that she said was sustained by an outpouring of community support.

The opening follows months of preparation and fundraising after Motif announced plans to provide structured sober living for women recovering from addiction, addressing what the founders have described as a significant gap in recovery housing across southwest Georgia.

“I think the biggest thing was the sprinkler system, passing the fire inspection and raising all that money,” Taylor said. “Our hurdles have been small. Everything that we have put out there and asked for has been given. Everything in this house — the house and everything in it — has been donated. Every need has been instantly met. It’s insane.” 

During Thursday’s celebration, Taylor reflected on how public perception evolved from initial uncertainty to broad community support.

“I think they envisioned something more clinical, drug addicts hanging out in the driveway,” she said. “This house was built on love. It was built with intention. It was built by many hands. It wasn’t only mine and Tiffany’s. Really, the community built it. We’re the connectors.” 

The home has not yet welcomed its first resident, though Taylor said interest has been strong as organizers work to find women who are ready to commit fully to recovery.

“We’re looking for people who are truly looking to set themselves up for the future,” she said. “People who know they were at the end of the road. There’s nowhere to go but forward. We have a zero-tolerance policy because we’re not playing. We get them for a year if they stay a year. It’s not a long time, but it can be done. It takes commitment, and it takes discipline. We’re just the vessels. They have to do the work.” 

Unlike a treatment facility, Motif is designed as a sober living environment where residents can continue rebuilding their lives while following a structured program centered on accountability, stability and long-term recovery. Residents also will have opportunities to explore holistic and therapeutic practices that aid in their progress.

The home’s design was also intentional, Taylor said, with founders hoping the environment itself communicates dignity to the women who will live there.

“I think it’s going to make the women feel special,” she said. “Some of them, where they came from, they’re not going to know this. This house was built with intention.” 

The ribbon-cutting concluded with remarks from Taylor, who became emotional while thanking supporters for helping transform an idea into reality.

“Almost five years ago, God placed this vision in our hearts,” she said. “We just wanted to open a safe place for women to come and find healing in their addiction. We didn’t know it was going to look this good. The outpouring of love from you guys just blows us away every time.” 

Taylor said both she and Cox view the home as an opportunity to help other women find the same path they experienced.

“Our mission is clear: Go back into the fire and show others the way,” she said. “Moments like this remind me there’s hope in this community. There’s hope in this city, and hope lives here at Motif.” 

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a community prayer asking for the home to become a place of transformation for the women who will soon walk through its doors.

Applications, referrals, volunteer opportunities and donations can all be made through Motif Sober Living’s website www.motifsoberliving.org. The organization accepts inquiries from prospective residents, treatment providers, families and community members interested in supporting its mission.