Old Pueblo Community Services:from homelessness or dependency to self-sufficiency and dignity.

Prison Population Growth
America has the highest rate of incarceration of its citizens in the world; Arizona ranks 22% higher than the national average. More and more people are imprisoned each year, and 95%to 97% will be released at some time. It is estimated that up to 80% of all prisoners, parolees and probationers have drug– or alcohol-related problems. (National Justice Institute—U.S. Department of Justice)

Recidivism Rates
Forty-two percent of individuals released from prisons and jails in Arizona will be rearrested within three years of release, with nearly one-third returned to incarceration.

Challenges to Re-Entry
According to the Women’s Prison Association and published by the Civic Research Institute, successful re-entry into the community following incarceration requires overcoming the following challenges:
Subsistence—a job paying a living wage with benefits, education to improve employability, transportation, food, clothing. Most ex-offenders have unstable work histories and lack employable skills. 61% of our clients have not received a high school diploma or GED certificate. Felons are prohibited from certain types of jobs, and many lack identification documentation.

Residence—stable and permanent housing. Nearly 75% of the clients served by Old Pueblo Community Services are chronically homeless (defined by HUD as continuously homeless for greater than one year OR 4 or more episodes of homelessness in the past 3 years). It is common for incarcerated individuals to have breached family relationships, so living with family is not an option. Felons are banned from public housing, and the private market is generally unaffordable. Half-way houses and shelters are limited and are inadequate to provide the kind of structured environment and supportive recovery services needed to build the stability required to move into permanent housing.

Family—reunification with family and/or provision of family counseling. People previously incarcerated have many times breached their relationships with family members. It is important for recovery and for successful re-entry to mend those relationships. Many wish to regain custody of dependent children.

Health and Sobriety—an ongoing support structure and regular health visits covered by insurance. Over 85% of all prisoners in Arizona report some substance abuse. Treatment is not readily available to all in prison, and their struggles continue upon release. For most, drugs or alcohol played some part in the offense that led to their incarceration, and without adequate assistance, will likely lead to re-incarceration.

Criminal Justice Compliance—completion of parole or reduction in supervision. Many times people recently released from incarceration are burdened with conflicting demands between their job and their parole or probation requirements. Scheduling important appointments becomes even more difficult when transportation is lacking.

Encouragement, Support and Orientation to New Things—break from old habits and social networks. People learn skills and behaviors inside prison that are necessary for survival, but that do not serve them well when trying to re-enter community life. It is important to provide life skills training and offer alternative recreational activities that will contribute to rather than inhibit recovery.

Costs of Incarceration
Latest statistics released from the Arizona Department of Corrections indicate that the daily cost of housing each inmate in correctional facilities is as follows:

Average for all Arizona prison facilities $61.74

Average for County jails $32.79

Average for Tucson State prison facilities $69.32

Daily cost per resident in Old Pueblo Community Services Transitional Housing Facilities is $27.68. This cost includes the extensive supportive recovery services provided to our clients so they may overcome the challenges of re-entry.

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