NCJ Number
202995
Date Published
2002
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This document discusses homeless offenders in Baltimore (Maryland).
Abstract
The homeless population in Baltimore ranges between 2,400 and 3,000 people. In order to examine the extent of the connection between homelessness and incarceration, a survey was conducted of the homeless population in Baltimore in the fall of 2002. The survey research focused on three specific questions: (1) whether homelessness lead to incarceration; (2) whether incarceration lead to homelessness; and (3) what services were needed to assist the homeless population in Baltimore. The survey was conducted in 18 soup kitchens and drop-in centers throughout the city. Just over 700 surveys were collected in 4 weeks, representing a quarter of the homeless population. The results showed that more than 30 percent of those that had been incarcerated were homeless before their subsequent incarceration. One in three people had been incarcerated for an offense related to homelessness and 79.1 percent of the total offenses reported were non-violent in nature. While two-thirds of those that had been imprisoned had permanent housing before their incarceration, only 29.5 percent owned or rented homes after incarceration. Forty-four percent of respondents received no services while in prison and 67 percent reported that they were not offered or referred to any assistance upon release by the Department of Corrections. Possible services included health care, substance abuse treatment, job training, and education. Survey respondents reported facing significant barriers particularly in public and private housing and in employment. The survey results indicate that the two most pressing needs for both the homeless and the homeless ex-inmate populations are housing and employment. More than half of those surveyed cited housing as their most important needs. Fewer than one in five respondents were employed at the time of the survey. It is recommended that Baltimore decriminalize homelessness. The State should provide inmates with more meaningful services. The barriers to employment and housing for the ex-inmate population should be reduced. 3 tables, 2 appendices