Breaking the Cycle of Post-Incarceration Homelessness with Housing First

Written by Taghrid Hussain, Executive Director, John Howard Society of London and District

Individuals recently discharged from custody usually face many challenges. Many are released without a proper reintegration plan, have no money and nowhere to go. They struggle with access to programs and resources and often lack a support system. Typically, they arrive on the street to find their usual destinations closed. The pandemic has certainly exacerbated what has always been a difficult predicament upon release from incarceration. While some new strategies have been implemented, it has been chaotic for individuals who are not housed. They discover that the shelters are full, social agencies are closed, friends do not want visitors couch surfing and there is simply no place to go. Many of these individuals live in poverty and find themselves in the vulnerable position of being homeless, or sleeping rough on the streets.

There are many barriers to successful reintegration. Many of these individuals struggle with mental health issues and addictions. It is increasingly difficult to find employment with a criminal background, especially now, when so many are out of work. It is a heavy burden. Safe and affordable housing is key to maintaining a job and the foundation to positive outcomes across all of the determinants of health; therefore, we must create pathways to stability for vulnerable populations.

There is a significant reciprocal relationship between homelessness and incarceration; that is, each one increases the risk for the other. While post-incarceration homelessness has always been a concern, the pandemic has brought about a crisis and sense of urgency in our community to find meaningful solutions. We need more affordable housing; however, simply providing housing will not eliminate the existence of homelessness, given all of its complexities. More transitional housing and supportive housing options are urgently needed to ensure that individuals remain housed in safe and affordable accommodation. Transitional housing bridges the gap from homelessness to permanent housing by offering structure, supervision and support while supportive housing combines affordable housing with intensive coordinated services to help people struggling with mental health and addiction issues maintain stable housing and receive appropriate health care and services.

It is also necessary to provide resources that address the underlying causes of homelessness. There is a substantial need for innovative housing program models that embrace a multi-sectoral approach to addressing complex needs in an integrated and humane way. We need community-based programs that not only provide housing support, but also connect justice-involved community members to services they need to successfully reintegrate.

The costs of unsuccessful reintegration and recidivism negatively impacts individuals, families and communities. Effective strategies are vital in order to address the barriers that prevent previously incarcerated individuals from successfully reintegrating into their communities. Last year, in our efforts to find a solution to post incarceration homelessness, the John Howard Society of London and District piloted a hotel-based intervention to provide rapid stabilization for recently released individuals. The Reintegration Support Program provides extended, supported stays at a hotel, geared towards individuals otherwise exiting incarceration into homelessness. The program prioritizes access to income, employment, food, clothes, health care, help finding suitable accommodations and links people with long-term community resources. A case management approach is used through individualized service plans that take into consideration the unique needs of the program participants. Participants are connected to primary healthcare services, including COVID-19 related testing.

This is a promising program model that has met the needs of the targeted population and filled gaps in services. The program received 74 referrals and 21 individuals have been accepted into the program to date. 15 out of 21 clients have obtained stable housing, one is in transitional housing, three have established pro-social relationships which allowed them to secure housing and two have been discharged from the program but continue to seek help from our agency. Multiple clients have obtained employment. The program assisted clients to connect with family doctors, develop life skills, secure an income, maintain sobriety and become connected with treatment. The relationship developed between staff and their clients has been crucial to help them maintain housing. Clients have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for having a safety net upon their release from custody and reported feeling safe as they were able to sleep in a secure place for the first time.

The program approach relies on the “housing first” philosophy, which is an evidence-based model utilized by many municipalities across Canada. This proven model prioritizes rapid exits from homelessness to facilitate the best long-term health and social outcomes. Regrettably, our funding for this valuable service is coming to an end. Our agency is currently seeking new funding opportunities to continue this important work in our community by maintaining this successful program.