For many Alaskans seeking addiction treatment, help starts with someone who has been there

Josh Engle, manager and peer support specialist at True North Recovery in Wasilla, gives out cookies as part of homeless outreach efforts in Anchorage on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)
Josh Engle was bundled up on one of the first frigid days in October, walking along a forest path to do outreach in a homeless encampment in Anchorage. He approached a man in a weathered coat near several tents and a makeshift structure.
“How long you been out here on the streets?