Recently I heard a number of ex-felons share their stories about their releases from prison. One was handed $200 “gate money” outside an institution in the Central Valley. He spent nearly half of the sum on the bus to San Diego. All his family lives in Chicago.
Another’s parole was violated when he left a voice mail for his parole officer regarding an address change instead of submitting it in writing. That mistake cost him four more months behind bars.
On the day of her release, one woman went to the health clinic where she was required to report only to find it closed. Fortunately, a passerby connected her with Welcome Home Ministries after a short conversation.
Gemini House. Second Chance. UAMMAC. Metro. The Rock Church’s Prison Ministry. Others. These programs, many faith-based, change lives. They provide support where there is little or none.
Join me on a tour of Donovan Correctional Facility in San Ysidro, a state prison on the border, or contact Patti Colston, the Community Partnership Manager at Donovan: 619-661-6500 x5057, patti.colston@cdcr.ca.gov.
The formerly incarcerated must struggle for everything upon release. It can be difficult to obtain an ID card, a drivers license, health records. Childcare payments paid by the state while she or he was serving time now become due, often to the tune of thousands of dollars. Credit card debt may have been multiplying each month since day one. Families left may no longer be the same. Finding housing and employment within the exacting expectations of parole further communicate to the former prisoner that his or her community might not mind of she or he just returned to jail. Would it be easier for all of us? Perhaps 70% make just that choice, ensuring housing, daily routines, a certain camaraderie, or at least an escape from the stigma.
But they all come back to our communities eventually. What can we do to help?
Colin Mathewson lives in San Diego, is a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and works for a foundation doing community development work in the neighborhood of City Heights. He can be reached at colinmathewson@gmail.com.