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Homeless Ex-Prisoners: All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

From all available evidence, or lack thereof, society seemingly has ignored the connection between homelessness and release from prison, and societal agencies have failed to develop and implement programs and policies to address this connection. Specifically, correctional systems do not adequately prepare releasees, especially those who serve the entirety of their sentences, to re-enter their communities so that they avoid homelessness. Correctional facilities have the opportunity and the obligation to help treat and perhaps prevent social problems associated with crime, such as poverty, mental and physical illness, substance addictions, and homelessness. In this way, they are partially responsible for reducing repeat offending, or recidivism. Ifa releasee has been well served by the correctional system, he or she will be less likely to reoffend. Unfortunately, evidence that true rehabilitation occurs within correctional facilities is scarce. Most offender ailments are not adequately addressed and follow-up aftercare is nearly non-existent. After release, most offenders still are in basically the same positions they were before they were imprisoned, but now must deal with the stigma of incarceration and the increased likelihood of homelessness. This paper examines the possible relationships among homelessness, other societal problems, and the correctional system. Distinctions are drawn between programs and services offered to offenders released on parole and those who are unconditionally released. Implications are discussed as they relate to the relationships among homelessness and crime, especially repeat offending. Most importantly, this paper emphasizes the need for further academic study of these issues.