The transition from prison to the community is rife with challenges . But before formerly incarcerated people can address health problems , find stable jobs , or learn new skills , they need a place to live . A common obstacle to successful reentry is the lack of stable housing . People who have been to prison just once experience homelessness at a rate nearly 7 times higher than the general public . But people who have been incarcerated more than once have rates 13 times higher than the general public .
Our Reentry Services Division is committed to assisting justice involved individuals find and obtain housing . Our staff has completed :
Over 9000 Housing referrals have been submitted for individuals in need . By being able to provide housing opportunities for individuals who would otherwise remain in custody , the cost avoidance for a 10 year period is over $ 125 , 468 , 606 . 56 .
For persons under supervision , especially those that are considered specialized populations ; ie : Sex Offender and Mental Health , housing is a stabilizing force that provides a consistent base to access employment , treatment for mental health or substance abuse disorders , and other support services . Studies show that the first month after release is a vulnerable period during which the risk of becoming homeless and / or recidivism is high . In fact , the lack of stable housing can increase the possibility of being rearrested .
YOU DON ' T HAVE TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD TO ADD VALUE TO SOMEONE ' S LIFE . YOU CAN START HELPING PEOPLE , MAKING A DIFFERENCE , AND ADDING VALUE ON YOUR VERY FIRST DAY WITH THEM . THAT ' S WHAT WE DO IN REENTRY SERVICES !
Tammy Herring , Housing Operations Manager
D C S R E E N T R Y S E R V I C E S P A G E 0 9