Hello I am looking to open a transitional home or halfway house for federal inmates that are from the central Virginia area. Currently there is a halfway house in either Newport News or Norfolk and all inmates from Va, that are released from federal custody must go to this overcrowded facility. But I don't want my business to run like the norm for halfway houses. I want programs and incentives that will reach the individual and the community that actually work to reduce the recidivism rate and allow these ex offenders a fair opportunity to reintegrate back to society with skills conducive to a new start.
I am trying to start a halfway house in Alabama or a surrounding state. Wherever its most needed.Please share what you have learned with me and I will do the same with you as I move along.I am a General Contractor and will build my own and will build yours for you if you wish. I already have the rough plans done with shower stalls, toilets, etc, andbunk bed area for 140 men and 40 women. Eating area that turns into a meeting room,a walking track, library, meeting rooms for classes, etc.
FYI, not all transitional facilities have to residential. There are some innovative ways of setting up a program that is supported by the government where all you are doing is providing special services for previously incarcerated people.
Right now, for example, there is a federal RFP out through the Administration for Children and Families providing $300,000 per year for organizations willing to recruit, train and supervise mentors for children of prisoners (called the MCP program). All that needs to be done is set up the infrastructure, recruit volunteers and keep track (yes, it's a bit more complicated but not much). And that RFP is due on July 31 for any nonprofit ready, willing and able with a special emphasis on faith based institutions.
Just a thought...
Jos A. Rivera, JD
President & CEO
Rivera, Sierra & Co., Inc.
jrivera@riverasierra.com
Kay, What may help you stick out from the pack in Arizona is setting up your halfway house as a nonprofit. The government is increasingly looking at nonprofit providers as a preferred method of addressing halfway house issue. Also, in the mental health field, you will find a lot more funding in support of clients with mental health issues as a nonprofit. Jos
HEADS UP IN NORTH CAROLINA:
The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP) is seeking to obtain a qualified contractor to create and manage a positive home environment and transition services for youth on post release supervision and in disposition level 3, age 16 or older who are leaving a Youth Development Center (YDC). The home will provide youth with an opportunity to continue positive growth and development as they transition from the YDC back to the community.
https://www.ips.state.nc.us/ips/AGENCY/PDF/07787300.pdf
Hi all:
I'm curious. Since this thread started I saw many join in the convo and expressed an interest in starting a Transitional Home. Has anyone found any helpful information? Made helpful connections? Anything you would like to share in the thread with those looking for info?
I did find this guide developed by the Department of Justice on Developing Housing for Ex-Offenders. Published in 2004, it looks like it has some helpful information to at least get you started. Is this helpful?
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 7/21/2010 - 12:30 pm
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 11/3/2010 - 8:46 pm
ZanetaB | Former Moderator | 11/5/2009 - 2:04 pm
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