Among the many people leaving California prisons each year, those who’ve served lengthy sentences and transformed themselves despite the harsh conditions are the least likely to have a home to return to. Family and friends who might have welcomed and temporarily sheltered them have moved on with their lives, left the city, or in some cases even passed away.
The Homecoming Project provides transitional housing and support for this high potential group of formerly incarcerated people who are at great risk of becoming homeless. Through an individualized matching process, we pair them with Alameda County residents who have a spare bedroom, want to be part of their successful re-entry, and value the financial stipend the project provides in lieu of market-rate rent. It’s a shared housing model with widely shared benefits.
KC Matthews spent 14 years in prison. Nine days after moving into Terri Brown’s home, he found work as an electrician and began saving money—first for a car and then for his own apartment, where he now lives and continues to do well. You can read about other participants in coverage by NPR and Mother Jones.
Please consider supporting a Homecoming Project participant! By lifting the burden of paying for housing in the initial months after release, you’ll help someone focus on building a life in the community instead of worrying about where they’ll sleep tomorrow or next week.
The full cost to sponsor one participant is $7,500, which covers six months of housing (money that goes directly to a community host), a welcome home kit, customized support from a professional community navigator, and other assistance. However, your support at any level is enormously helpful:
- $750 could provide one month of housing in a private, welcoming space.
- $500 could provide a welcome home kit, cell service to stay connected to family and services, and access to education and professional development trainings.
- $250 could provide a welcome home kit and cell service, plus new bedding and transportation.
- $100 could provide a welcome home kit filled with hygiene supplies, writing materials, and a clothing voucher.
- $50 could provide one month of cell service.
Or make a gift in any amount you’d like.
We all know how important home is. As the season of giving approaches, please consider becoming a sponsor today. With the support of donors like you and our growing community of hosts, we can serve many more people annually, setting each person up for success.
