Enhancing Reentry Efforts Through Transitional Housing
For returning citizens, transitional housing is an essential service because it offers individuals a chance to get back on their feet and much-needed time to find permanent housing, obtain a job, reunite with family, and assess next steps in their reentry journey. Transitional housing stays usually last about 30 to 60 days while the department determines next steps in the person’s release conditions and rehabilitation process.
In 2021, to expand and strengthen its statewide Transitional Housing Provider Network, the Idaho Department of Correction introduced a three-tiered standards system that delineates the levels of service the state’s transitional housing providers can offer returning citizens.
The new system is consistent with the department’s efforts to ensure that, as the number of individuals supported by the network increases, provider services remain aligned with the goal to improve outcomes for individuals under community supervision.
Proactive Approach
Transitional housing is temporary supportive housing that offers help during a crisis, whether for returning citizens embarking on their next steps in the reentry process, people seeking relief from homelessness, or those in need of refuge due to domestic violence.
Idaho officials requested GEO Reentry develop and oversee these services, provide technical support to providers, and serve as a liaison between the department, referred participants, and providers. GEO Reentry’s new role on behalf of the Department of Correction is in addition to operating several non-residential reentry centers in Idaho known as Connection and Intervention Stations.