Featured Member: White Horse Recovery
This week’s featured member, White Horse Recovery, continues to play a critical role in supporting individuals and families across the Littleton area on their journey toward recovery and wellness. With a commitment to meeting people where they are and offering a range of low-barrier, compassionate services, White Horse Recovery’s Littleton location stands as a vital community resource.
A Welcoming Space in Littleton
Located on Union Street in Littleton, the White Horse Recovery center serves as a hub for individuals seeking support. Under the leadership of Erika Sturgeon, the Recovery Community Organization (RCO) Manager and Recovery Coach, the center provides a welcoming and judgment-free environment.
“When someone walks through our doors, we greet them with a smile,” said Sturgeon. “It takes courage just to step inside, and we want people to feel supported from the first moment.”
The center has transitioned from being known as “The Shed” to operating fully under the White Horse Recovery name, reinforcing its identity and mission. Plans are underway to update the building signage to reflect this change.
Broad Range of Services
White Horse Recovery in Littleton offers a wide array of services tailored to individual needs. These include recovery coaching, peer-led meetings, access to food and clothing, help with job applications, resume building, and assistance obtaining identification and phones. Support is available whether someone is in active recovery, simply seeking support, or not yet ready to engage in a recovery path.
Clients are encouraged to visit weekly, especially if involved in coaching programs. Even those not enrolled in formal services are welcome to spend time at the center, connect with others on similar paths, and engage in positive activities.
In addition to coaching and meetings, the center provides essential hygiene services. Showers and laundry facilities are available Monday through Friday, and individuals can access these services after a brief intake process. Participation in a positive action, like helping with tasks around the center or attending a meeting, is encouraged in exchange for use of facilities.
Community Connections and Collaborations
White Horse Recovery is deeply connected to the greater Littleton community. The organization partners with North Country Health Consortium, Tri-County CAP, the Littleton Police Department, Family Resource Center, White Mountain Recovery Homes, and more. It also collaborates with local businesses and other nonprofits to extend services and resources, including local thrift stores that help provide clothing.
During the colder months, White Horse works closely with the Littleton Winter Shelter, where Sturgeon also serves on the board. Many individuals supported by the shelter are also clients of White Horse, reinforcing the interconnectedness of community services.
The Ongoing Need for Resources
In 2024, the Littleton center served more than 3,300 individuals. Despite these efforts, demand for services continues to grow, and the organization faces ongoing challenges related to housing, transportation, and funding.
“There just aren’t enough resources to go around,” said Sturgeon. “And some of the ones we do have are being cut. It’s hard because we’re already stretched thin.”
Affordable housing and reliable transportation remain two of the most urgent needs in the region. While the larger, southern NH cities may offer more public transit options, the rural nature of northern New Hampshire creates barriers to access, particularly for individuals trying to find or maintain employment.
Building Toward the Future
While the organization celebrated community connections at its 2025 Annual Benefit earlier this year, Sturgeon and her team remain focused on daily, practical support for those in need. Looking ahead, there is interest in expanding hours to include the weekends, which are particularly important during the winter when few warm public spaces are available.
White Horse Recovery also welcomes volunteers to assist with a range of tasks, including organizing donations, moving office furniture, and helping maintain the facility. Donations of laundry supplies, hygiene items, and gently used clothing are especially helpful in supporting day-to-day operations.
“We’re here for the people,” said Sturgeon. “Even if we can help just one person a day do something positive for themselves, that’s a success.”
For more information about White Horse Recovery’s programs and services, or to learn how you can support their mission through donations or volunteer efforts, visit their website or contact the Littleton center directly at (603) 444-3000. You can also find White Horse Recovery on Facebook and Instagram.
