Many citizens returning to society after a period of incarceration have a history of abuse, addictions, and lack of positive role models. Nationally, over 40% did not have a high school diploma when arrested and read at a 7th grade level. Upon release they have few healthy support systems to guide their return to the community. Most are released from prison without money, job skills, a place to stay, or transportation to work. Many return to poverty-stricken neighborhoods where crime and violence are prevalent. Their intentions to live crime-free are soon forgotten. An ex-offender experiences frustration in securing basic needs of housing, food and clothing. Their felony record closes the door on many employment opportunities. Stress from lack of money, transportation, a felony record that limits job opportunities, and poor family relationships can often become overwhelming. Many return to addiction, crime, and violence, repeating the cycle of incarceration.

 The Bureau of Justice reveals that 66% of felons will re-offend within three years. The first three to six months is a critical period when ex-offenders return to crime out of sheer frustration and lack of support services. In a 2011 Pew Center report, the largest reductions in recidivism were realized when evidence-based programs and practices were implemented in prisons, and there is supervision of post-release ex-offenders. Another analysis in 2014 found reentry programs reduce recidivism by 6% and programs that contained pre-release and post-release modules had a greater impact on decreasing recidivism.

 After a crime occurs, it costs King County taxpayers over $35,000 to house a single inmate for a year. Following release from incarceration, two-thirds of offenders will be re-arrested within three years if they are unemployed. The community all too often suffers the consequences of this cycle. In a recent survey, two-thirds of employers reported they would not hire a felon for fear of workplace safety.

 The H.O.P.E. Reentry Program saves taxpayers money by reducing the cost of incarcerating citizens. This is done by providing needed training, support, and guidance to marginalized persons which allows them to break cycles of poverty, crime, and incarceration. Current systems of justice and incarceration, that neglect to prepare returning citizens with the tools to elevate themselves to better stations in life, simply perpetuate cyclical conditions which cause taxpayers to repeatedly cover the cost of persons returning to incarceration, where they require housing, food, and supervision. These incarceration costs are repetitive and do not assist the citizen’s efforts to change the behaviors that cause them to be incarcerated. While incarcerated, these individuals are not contributing gainfully to society.

 The H.O.P.E. Reentry Program utilizes taxpayer funds to help citizens address behavioral, societal, and vocational issues that lead to detrimental behaviors that result in incarceration. H.O.P.E. participants are equipped with the tools to become contributing members of society.

While the cost of incarceration can be upwards of $35,000 per person per year, there is no return on investment. However, the taxpayer funds that are invested in The H.O.P.E. Reentry Program reduce recidivism rates and result in community members who become gainfully employed and are able to contribute to society as tax-paying citizens. The H.O.P.E. Reentry Program success rate also reduces incidents of crime and violence in the community.

The Helpful Opportunities for Positive Exits (H.O.P.E.) Reentry Program prepares inmates for success after incarceration. This is achieved through a 4-month post-release curriculum consisting of the 10-week 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course, Dave Ramsey’s 10-week Financial Peace course, and support components that focus on: housing, transportation, employment assistance, access to counseling services, mentoring, and secondary educational support.

The post-release assistance addresses potential pitfalls, intensive comprehensive hands-on support, and guidance after incarceration in the following ways:

• Housing: H.O.P.E. staff assist in locating safe housing placements for those in need. H.O.P.E. staff will facilitate an interview with reentry housing programs and provide rent for 1-3 months.

• Employment - H.O.P.E. staff work with participants to organize and compile an employment portfolio, resume, references, cover letter, identification card, social security card, birth certificate, etc. H.O.P.E. staff work with participants to identify potential employers, assist in the completion of applications and interviews, and help with needed work tools, classes, and equipment if necessary.

• Transportation – H.O.P.E. staff provide Orca cards and Uber/Lyft gift cards to help participants travel to job interviews, transitional housing, and transportation to and from work once hired.                                                                                                                                        

• Counseling – In partnership with licensed providers H.O.P.E. staff arrange a post-release counseling plan focusing on substance abuse, behavioral issues, cognitive disabilities, and family dynamics.

• Mentoring – H.O.P.E. staff facilitate mentor training by matching client and mentor. Mentors will provide 60 days of post release support, meeting regularly with participants to hold them accountable for their goals.

• Education – Participants seeking careers as welders, electricians, and plumbers receive tuition assistance, assistance with the purchase of books, etc. Participants pursuing certification or associate degrees receive help with associated costs.