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Legal Aid and Re-Entry Services

(509)822-7514 Spokane Office

(253)401-7260 Tacoma Office

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Key Facts on Success Rates & Stable Housing for Returning Citizens​

 

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  • Greater risk of homelessness / housing instability after release

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  • Stable housing reduces recidivism

    • A study of a permanent supportive housing reentry program in Montgomery County, MD found participants were 40% less likely to be rearrested within one year, and 61% less likely to be reincarcerated, compared to those without stable housing. Montgomery County Maryland

    • The Returning Home Ohio Pilot Project showed that those receiving supportive housing services were 40% less likely to be rearrested. housingmatters.urban.org

  • The earlier the housing after release, the better

    • Research shows that securing stable housing soon after release is crucial: delays increase risk of reoffending. housingmatters.urban.org+2ijrd.csw.fsu.edu+2

    • Residential mobility (frequent address changes) is strongly predictive of recidivism. In one study of 2,000 people released, the odds of returning to prison rose by at least 70% for each time the person changed residences. 

  • Associated improvements in other domains

    • Stable housing helps people maintain employment, manage health needs (mental health/substance abuse), meet requirements of parole/probation, and reconnect with family support. All of these contribute to lower risk of returning to the criminal justice system. ijrd.csw.fsu.edu+2cjcc.dc.gov+2

    • In a housing first or supportive housing model, other benefits such as reduced use of emergency services, fewer arrests, fewer days in jail, etc., have been shown. Pew Charitable Trusts+1

  • Housing instability is a major barrier to reentry success

    • Nearly two out of three people released from state prison are rearrested within three years. Housing instability is one of the key risk factors. housingmatters.urban.org+3Office of Minority Health+3Prison Policy Initiative+3

    • For many, challenges to obtaining stable housing include affordability, prior evictions, discrimination against people with criminal records, and eligibility restrictions for subsidized housing. 

  • Economic and community benefits

A Safe Space For Lasting Change

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