Every year, over 725,000 men and women are released from prison, and many of them face significant challenges when it comes to finding safe and stable housing. Studies have shown that there’s a strong link between homelessness and re-offending, which means that helping these individuals find a place to live is crucial for reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society.
Unfortunately, formerly incarcerated individuals often face numerous barriers when trying to access housing. Some may not be able to return home to their families, while others struggle to find affordable housing in the private market due to high prices and discrimination from landlords.
Additionally, public housing policies at both the federal and local levels can prevent individuals with certain criminal convictions from accessing these resources.
The Reentry Crisis and the Promise of Supportive Housing
The number of people being released from prisons and jails each year is staggering, and many of these individuals are at high risk of relapsing into criminal activity. This is due to a complex set of factors, including poverty, lack of education and job skills, mental and physical health issues, and substance abuse problems. To make matters worse, many of these individuals return to communities that are already struggling with high levels of unemployment, poverty, and crime and lack adequate reentry services.
Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition among policymakers that supporting successful reentry is essential for reducing recidivism and avoiding the high costs of re-incarceration. One promising approach is supportive housing, which provides stable and safe housing alongside comprehensive services like education and job training, counselling, substance abuse treatment, and healthcare. Research suggests supportive housing can effectively and cost-effectively promote successful reentry and reduce recidivism.
Supportive Housing Models and the NIMBY Challenge
Supportive housing programs for formerly incarcerated individuals are primarily operated by nonprofit organizations in large urban areas, with some partnerships between nonprofits and local corrections departments. These programs vary in terms of the type of housing provided (scattered-site vs. single-site), the length of stay (short-term vs. long-term), and the specific services offered.
One major challenge facing supportive housing programs is the “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) syndrome, where neighborhood residents oppose the development of these facilities out of fear that they will negatively impact property values, safety, and quality of life. These fears are often heightened when the proposed facility is intended to serve individuals with criminal records or other stigmatized populations. Overcoming NIMBY opposition requires engaging with the community, providing accurate information, and building trust and support for the project.
The Way Forward
Addressing the housing needs of formerly incarcerated individuals is a critical component of promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism. While the challenges are significant, the growing interest in supportive housing offers a promising way forward. By providing stable housing and comprehensive services, these programs can help individuals overcome barriers to reentry and build the skills and resources they need to succeed in the community. However, given the scale of the need and the limited resources available, it’s essential that service providers share best practices and lessons learned in order to maximize the impact of these programs.