NCJ Number
203374
Date Published
May 2004
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This document serves as a guide for developing housing for ex-offenders.
Abstract
The Office of Justice Programs organized a focus group to examine the issues related to developing a guide for providing housing to ex-offenders. The population to be served by the guide is a critical question. The decision of who will be served by the housing is based on: housing needs, available housing programs, and key stakeholders. The type of housing to be provided will define plans by deciding if the focus will be on temporary, intermediate, or long-term facilities, or a combination of these. Stakeholders will be an important facet to the creation of housing. Every group on a stakeholder list may not be required however they will all be able to make important contributions to a housing program. One of the first issues raised when discussing plans for developing a housing program is how to obtain necessary financing. This vital and complex issue can be approached in various ways specific to each project. Many of the housing project's stakeholders will also function in a management capacity. The management challenges will be demanding. Without solid operational practices, accountability, and sound financial management, the program can quickly run into difficulty. An evaluation element must also be included in the program design. An example of a reentry facility is Harriet's House in North Carolina. Harriet's House is based on strong community collaborative agreements among groups and individuals with shared goals and a strong sense of mission. Harriet's House provides supervised living, transitional living, community living, and aftercare. Harriet's House is ready to respond when additional funding is available. The Fortune Society, another reentry facility, is a large nonprofit organization that has been delivering services to and advocating on behalf of men and women within the criminal justice system since 1997. The Fortune Society has been successful at helping ex-offenders become part of mainstream society. 5 Notes