Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: To reduce and prevent homelessness for those individuals being released from incarceration to aid recidivism prevention, through the expansion and maximization of re-entry programs prior to release. Significant Findings: Both homelessness and recidivism are significant problems in the Travis County area. Data showed over 6,000 individuals were unhoused per day in 2024 (ECHO, n.d.), with recidivism costing the state of Texas almost $370 million per year. There is also a strong association between having been incarcerated, being unhoused, and subsequent recidivism, with a 10 times higher likelihood of being homeless (Couloute, 2018). In addition, this demographic faces many risks and barriers to success, including mental health problems (Nilsson et al, 2023), low socioeconomic status and inability to access employment and resources (Gray et al, 2019), and stigma and discrimination (Keene et al, 2018). Despite this, there are positive actions that can be taken to advocate for this population, with prevention programs that focus on protective factors, addressing stigma, and structured reentry encompassing wraparound services, training, employment, and housing, helping to improve outcomes for this demographic. Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: To address the issue of homelessness and recidivism following incarceration, prevention should focus on: (1) reentry programs and necessary resources being planned from the start of incarceration through to release, with follow up continuing up to 12 months; (2) addressing stigma and affordability for housing options with formerly incarcerated individuals, expanding options and availability for quicker access upon release; (3) implementing training and increased funding for jail and prison staff and programs to support reentry initiatives; (4) tailored skills and employment training for those in incarceration, to increase the chances of stability and success upon release; (5) individualized and holistic approaches to this demographic, ensuring consideration of race, ethnicity, age, gender, and family and community involvement; and (6) case management and peer support during and after jail custody time specifically, due to the possible short stay and need for immediate follow through on resource provision.
