Shelby County Office of Re-Entry awarded nearly $1 million to help with housing for people recently released from prison
Kim Chaney
The money will support Shelby County’s Returning Neighbors Program to create a task force to address barriers to post-release housing.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Department of Justice awarded nearly $1 million to the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry as part of its effort to help people recently released from incarceration find housing.
The money – $999,101 in total – is part of the Smart Reentry: Housing Demonstration Program Grant. It will support Shelby County’s Returning Neighbors Program to create a task force to address barriers to post-release housing.
The Office of Re-Entry said it will partner with Mid-South programs aimed at providing housing and training and employment opportunities for recently released people.
Over a three-year period, the University of Memphis’ Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) will evaluate the Returning Neighbors program to find its impact on recidivism, employment, and housing stability for those individuals.
The National Institutes of Health said housing insecurity increases the risk of reoffending following release from prison, and this program aims to reduce that risk.
“Shelby County Government believes that removing barriers to both housing and job opportunities for justice-involved individuals not only shows compassion but reduces recidivism and creates a second chance away from crime,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris in a news release.
“After years of working to break the cycle of incarceration through meaningful employment, we now have the opportunity to continue building the foundation to a safer community by opening up pathways to stable, affordable housing,” said DeAndre Brown, Shelby County Office of Re-Entry Director.
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