Staff and volunteers who are trauma informed in their approach (i.e.) following principles that include safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment) and trained to be culturally competent to the challenges LGBTQ+ clients/residents bring to their recovery process – regardless of lived staff and/or volunteer experiences. LGBTQ+ clients are encouraged to understand that their recovery from substance use is just as important as the rest of the world. A unified approach between staff, volunteers and clients/residents that enables them to focus on the common purpose of seeking a recovery solution from substance addiction, rather than letting their differences (i.e., gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, etc.) get in the way of establishing the connections and community they desperately need to succeed.