Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: The goal of this project is to reduce homelessness and marginalized housing for formerly incarcerated individuals in Alamance County, North Carolina, by implementing strategic re-entry programming.
Significant Findings: Thousands of offenders are released back into Alamance County, North Carolina each year from both county detention centers and state prison facilities (Lyons, 2024). One in six of these individuals are released into homelessness, with many more finding themselves without secure housing within the first two years of release (Lyons, 2024). While the statistics are alarming, there is hope for reduction in homelessness by implementing holistic re-entry programming and increasing awareness through advocacy.
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: To reduce the risk of homelessness amongst formerly incarcerated individuals, steps should be taken prior to incarceration, during incarceration and following incarceration. Implementing community programs, such as the Big Brother Big Sister program, which target children and teenagers help to reduce the risk of generational incarceration (Dubois, 2022). Increasing job skills training provided within the prison walls for HVAC, electrical and automechanics would increase the likelihood of obtaining lucrative employment upon release (Herbert et al., 2015). Home plans are established for every offender incarcerated in North Carolina by their case managers (P.Watson, personal communication, January 27, 2025). However, those without family support, or established housing have a plan that consists of them being dropped off at a shelter or the courthouse steps of their original county of conviction (P.Watson, personal communication, January 27, 2025). Establishing a solid home plan, with feasible and eligible options for those without secure housing options, prior to release will substantially lower the risk for homelessness recidivism alike. Other interventions to reduce homelessness include implementation of affordable housing and transitional housing units, integration of wrap around services to existing re-entry programs, and addition of community support programs to assist recently released mothers and fathers.
