The Homecoming Project matches individuals who have transformed themselves over many years in prison with compatible and welcoming residents who have a spare room in their home. Hosts receive a monthly stipend in lieu of market-rate rent for up to six months, while people leaving prison are assisted by a re-entry navigator and access to a network of partnering community-based organizations. By temporarily lifting the burden of finding and paying for housing in an expensive real estate market along with minimally supporting people immediately after release, the Homecoming Project provides a base from which people can begin to build a new life.
Who Qualifies to Apply/Participate in the Homecoming Project?
Potential participants are selected in accordance with the following criteria prior to acceptance into the Homecoming Project:
- Served at least 10 years in prison (consecutively in one term)
- Released in the last 1.5 years (18 months) or less and have not returned to custody
- Participated in at least three in-custody rehabilitation programs and (i.e. self-help, educational, vocational, mental health, substance abuse, & post-release planning, etc.)
- Must be deemed appropriate for residing in a private residence (can perform activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance)
- Excluded: Persons convicted of sex offenses cannot participate at this time
What Do I Need to Do to Apply?
In order to formally apply for the program, you must submit this application form, along with some supporting documents:
- Something that shows your conviction details (charges and sentence), for ex: a FACESHEET or LEGAL STATUS SUMMARY, etc. (must show what you were convicted of and the sentence imposed)
- Your COMPAS results OR your parole Case Plan
- Proof that you participated in THREE IN-CUSTODY PROGRAMS, for ex: certificates, chronos, assignment history summary, etc.