The vicious cycle between prison & homelessness
Have you ever wondered what happens to people when they try to put their lives back together after being incarcerated? Spoiler alert, it's not easy.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 50,000 people enter shelters directly from correctional facilities annually. You are 10 times more likely to be homeless if you've spent time in prison. The reality is that there is a vicious cycle between homelessness and incarceration.
A few reasons the cycle exists:
Lack of investments in community care
Most cities use the police to respond to situations with people living outside. In recent years, we have seen an uptick in policies that criminalize people who are unhoused. Citations and arrests are used for infractions such as public urination, sleeping in parks, camping, and loitering. Many of these are a reality of not having a home and are a result of a lack of public restrooms, dangerous shelters, and a lack of clarity in accessing resources.
Increased visibility
If you have a meltdown or get angry, you can do it in the privacy of your own home. If you are living outside, you have more frequent interactions with police and the justice system simply because you are more visible; this often leads to arrests or a ticket you have no way of paying. Not paying these fines can then land you in jail.
Lack of support
Someone leaving the prison system is often disconnected from friends and family and has no means of immediate support. They face an uphill battle for employment or securing a place to live now that they have a record, making it increasingly difficult to rebuild their lives. Even if they do find work, technology has left them behind and thus they are less qualified for most positions.
Changing the narratives around homelessness happens when we understand the nuanced issues. I hope this week's email gives you insight into the complicated matter of homelessness and the prison system.
Thank you for your faithfulness,
Josiah