Good afternoon. I am writing this post because I am interested in starting transitional or commercial housing for offenders being released from prison and would like to know what grants/loans are available, if any, for such a program. I currently work for the Michigan Department of Corrections and formerly worked for both the Kentucky and Ohio Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer and a a Parole and Probation Officer for over 20 years now. I currently possess a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and through my dealings with Parolees returning home from prison I have noticed that some have burnt all the bridges and family ties and have no place to stay upon their return to society. 

 

This is not good for the offender or for society as it certainly increases the recidivism rate and does not create an atmosphere conducive to a successful Parole adjustment. This is not productive for he offender and is costly to the tax payer alike. I am looking at trying to get financial help in the form of a grant or loan so that I can possibly open up some sort of transitional housing or commercial housing that will allow the returning offender to have a place to stay upon release. As many of us that work in the field of corrections know, many offenders are 'hard to place,' and subsequently contributes to the recidivism rate when returned to society not having a place to stay. 

 

If you are not the agency or person I should be talking to regarding this I would appreciate it if you could direct me to whom it is I need to speak to so that I can get the ball to rolling in this area.