Reentry Transitional Housing

PA-4 Abstract
Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court initiated the Reentry Program for returning ex-offenders in 2018. The first year of the Reentry Program saw 32 interested people self-refer or were referred to the Reentry Program. The second year, the number doubled to 76. This is a voluntary program that has incentive items tied to new behaviors and successes. Activities and classes are prescribed by a case manager, and the client suggests what goal he/she is working toward. The only way to fail this program is to choose to stop participating, to discontinue attending the agreed upon classes or other activities. Even so, participants find themselves homeless, or couch-surfing, or otherwise left to find less-than-suitable places to stay. But you can’t keep a job living on the streets, and you can’t stay clean sleeping in a flop-house. Homelessness is a growing concern across Idaho, but it is particularly problematic for recovering substance abusers, who make up the vast majority of community members who are returning from incarceration. As available rental homes decrease, landlords have their pick of tenants; they rarely choose a sober, recovering, ex-offender. This CTAS 2021 grant will allow us to purchase and place a modular building to house 12 reentry program participants. This ability to have stable housing will reduce recidivism and promote a healthy, sober lifestyle.