A revolving door between being locked up and put out
new data from Connecticut proves that incarceration leads to homelessness for a large number of people
50,000: people that enter shelters directly from correctional facilities per year in Connecticut
Almost 10 times: the amount formerly incarcerated people are likely to be homeless
Half of the people studied over three years in the state who used homeless shelters were formerly incarcerated.
1 in 5 people who used homeless shelters had been released from prison in the past three years
Of the formerly incarcerated people experiencing homelessness, 35% were Black
80% of those sentenced were found to most likely have been charged and imprisoned for petty crimes
The unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated people is nearly five times higher than the unemployment rate for the general population in the U.S.
“Formerly incarcerated people face widespread discrimination in both unemployment and housing, making it extremely difficult to succeed post-release.”
Read the whole report from the Prison Policy Initiative and Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness here.
COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection.
We want to hear from you about how COVID-19 is impacting you and the people connected to you. What is not being talked about? What story do you have that needs to be heard? Who do you want answers or explanations from? Please reach out to tips@thedes1790.com.