Being released from prison is a relief to many inmates. However, life outside of prison brings new challenges. One of the foremost challenges is securing a safe and stable place to live. Incarceration transitional housing programs seek to fill this need.
These are some benefits offered by incarceration transitional housing.
1. Affordable Rent
When inmates are released from prison, many struggle to find their footing once more. A lack of finances is one barrier to reentering society since inmates are usually unemployed once they are released from prison. Lack of funds can be especially problematic in areas where rental properties are expensive and in high demand. Incarceration transitional housing offers affordable rent to former inmates. Affordable rent gives people the opportunity to rebuild their financial health by saving money that would otherwise be spent on housing.
2. Understanding
Renting an apartment as a former inmate can be challenging. Many landlords and property managers require background checks that can disclose felonies and prior incarceration, which may disqualify former inmates from renting. This means that finding permanent housing can take some time. Incarceration transitional housing can give former inmates the extra time they need to find a permanent place to live. Every resident of a transitional housing program is a former inmate, which means that no one is discriminated against due to their criminal records. This understanding can put residents at ease and soften the transition into civilian life.
3. Supervision
Incarceration transitional housing programs also provide supervision to former inmates. Many people struggle to come to terms with their newfound freedom and may fall back into old habits as a result. Transitional housing provides residents with rules that must be obeyed as a condition of their tenancy. Such rules may include sobriety, employment, and perfect attendance at all meetings with probation officers. The external structure can help former inmates reacclimate themselves to life outside of prison. It can also discourage former inmates from pursuing criminal activities that could land them back in jail.
4. Programs To Encourage Societal Reentry
Finally, incarceration transitional housing provides programs to train and educate former inmates. These programs can range from job readiness courses to financial classes. The purpose of these educational opportunities is to give former inmates the tools they lack to integrate into society. Transitional housing is designed to be temporary, but the skills and knowledge that inmates learn in these programs can last for a lifetime.
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