Reentry and Transitional Housing

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is a federally recognized tribe located overlapping five counties in southeastern Idaho. In 2018, Shoshone Bannock Tribal Court initiated the Reentry Program (Reentry) for those returning from incarceration with co-occurring substance use disorders. The first year of Reentry saw 32 interested people self-referred or court referred to Reentry. The second year, the number increased to 76. This year, 88 people took part in some aspect of Reentry. Even with Reentry, participants find themselves homeless or couch-surfing. Participants can’t keep a job being homeless and can’t maintain sobriety in an unsafe environment. In 2021, the CTAS Purpose Area 4 grant was awarded the Reentry Program funds to build transitional sober housing for 12–14 adult reentry program participants. The funding includes the building, all furnishings, and a computer center. However, Reentry needs help to start the operational phase of transitional housing. This CTAS Purpose Area 3 grant will provide the ability to have stable housing that will reduce recidivism and promote a healthy, sober lifestyle for nonviolent tribal members who are returning to the community. Specifically, this funding will provide the initial staffing and operation of the new transitional housing. This includes two full-time staff, the Reentry Program supervisor, and a case manager.