Returning Home Ohio Expansion and Enhancement

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) propose to expand the successful RHO program into Knox, Muskingum, and Richland Counties, while incorporating performance based standards and outcome measures. ODRC provides permanent supportive housing (PSH) through CSH.  The aim of this partnership is to minimize homelessness and the likelihood of recidivism among individuals returning to Ohio communities from incarceration.  The target population includes moderate or higher risk offenders released from incarceration who have a history of chronic homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness upon release.  Priority is given to offenders who have a severe mental health diagnosis, chronic substance abuse diagnosis, developmental disabilities, physical health challenges.

We are proposing to enhance and expand in the following four ways: 1) geographic expansion; 2) targeting enrollment to moderate and high risk offenders; 3) testing the impact of performance based contracting; 4) evaluating the effectiveness through a rigorous research design and evaluation.  There were 131 referrals in 2020 and only 3 could be served in these counties.  Support from this grant will enable the program to add multiple units serving these three counties.  A significant increase in capacity and an important extension of the programs geographic program in the state.  By specifically targeting higher risk offenders we may further demonstrate the impact of the program in reducing recidivism.  During the planning phase, ODRC, CSH, and our research partner will structure a performance based contract that will incentive recidivism reduction. These are expected to include return to prison rate, arrest, housing stability, changes in income, and participation in services.  All of these will be compared to a control group.

ODRC expects to meet with partners minimally during the planning phase on a monthly basis and on a quarterly basis during the performance period, to review outcome data and determine whether milestones are met to trigger performance payments.  All partners will participate in trainings on performance based contracting, housing, and evidence based services.

All partners will execute a data sharing agreements as well as submit the proposal to the applicable human subject research review board for approval. A process will be established with Notre Dame Lab for Economic Opportunities, the research partner to ensure that they are kept up to date on project activities and progress. 

Ultimately, this grant would aid with the critical effort of assisting Ohio's higher risk and multi need homeless population.