Skill Development Activity

Solome Fentahun

HSML 4400

March 30, 2025

Based on my experience and interests, the social problem I feel most equipped to discuss

is the interconnectedness of homelessness and criminal justice involvement, particularly for

individuals under community supervision.

This issue is important because it represents a significant challenge to individual well-

being and community stability. As highlighted in the sources, the simultaneous rise of mass

incarceration and homelessness in the United States is no coincidence. These two crises are

driven by shared structural factors and exacerbate each other in a detrimental feedback loop. For

formerly incarcerated individuals, the lack of stable housing significantly hinders successful

reentry, increasing their risk of homelessness, violating supervision conditions, and experiencing

further criminal justice contact. Conversely, people experiencing homelessness are at a

heightened risk of criminal justice involvement for survival behaviors, further perpetuating the

cycle. This bidirectional relationship creates significant barriers for individuals trying to

reintegrate into society and strains community resources.

This issue profoundly affects the community by contributing to higher rates of

recidivism, increased strain on social services (including emergency shelters, healthcare, and law

enforcement), and decreased public safety. The cyclical nature of homelessness and incarceration

can also lead to long-term social and economic costs for communities.

Identification of the Social Problem and Targeted Population

(specifically community supervision following incarceration) and homelessness. This cycle is

characterized by formerly incarcerated individuals facing significant barriers to obtaining stable

housing, leading to an increased risk of homelessness and subsequent criminal justice contact

(e.g., technical violations of supervision, survival-related offenses), which can result in

reincarceration and a continuation of the cycle.

The targeted population is formerly incarcerated adults who are currently under

community supervision (probation or parole) and are experiencing homelessness or are at high

risk of becoming homeless upon release from incarceration.

Social Problem Effects on the Targeted Population:

• Housing Insecurity and Homelessness: Formerly incarcerated individuals are almost ten

times more likely to experience homelessness than the general public. They face

numerous barriers to housing, including a scarcity of affordable housing, bans from

public housing based on criminal records, restrictions on living with family or friends in

subsidized housing, discriminatory tenant screening procedures in the private housing

market, and overly restrictive community supervision conditions.

• Increased Risk of Criminal Justice Contact and Recidivism: Homelessness makes it

significantly more difficult for individuals on community supervision to comply with the

conditions of their release, such as attending meetings, maintaining employment, and

avoiding police contact. Survival behaviors in public spaces can lead to arrests for

"quality-of-life" crimes. Any police contact must be reported to their supervising agent,

increasing the risk of supervision revocation and reincarceration.

employment, access healthcare (including substance use recovery and mental health

services), and build social support networks, all of which are critical for successful

reentry.

• Worsened Health Outcomes: People experiencing homelessness, including those

formerly incarcerated, often have worse physical and mental health outcomes and higher

rates of mortality. Homelessness exacerbates existing health issues and creates new ones

due to factors like poor nutrition, exposure to the elements, and increased risk of

victimization.

• Stigma and Discrimination: Formerly incarcerated individuals face significant stigma

associated with their criminal record, which is compounded by the stigma associated with

homelessness. This stigma can lead to discrimination in housing, employment, and social

interactions, further hindering their reintegration.

Description of the Targeted Population Needs

The targeted population of formerly incarcerated adults on community supervision who are

homeless or at high risk of homelessness has a multitude of interconnected needs:

1. Immediate and Permanent Housing: The most fundamental need is safe, affordable, and

permanent housing that is not contingent on fulfilling other requirements (Housing First

approach). This includes access to rental assistance programs like Housing Choice

Vouchers (HCVs), as well as permanent supportive housing (PSH) for those with chronic

homelessness and co-occurring conditions. The need also involves addressing barriers to

accessing housing such as public housing bans based on criminal records, discriminatory
 tenant screening practices, and restrictive conditions imposed by community supervision.

(Augustine & Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al., 2021; Remster, 2021)

2. Supportive Services: Beyond housing, this population needs access to a range of

voluntary supportive services to aid in their reintegration. These include:

o Case management to help navigate complex systems, connect with resources, and

develop individualized reentry plans. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al.,

2021)

o Mental health and substance use treatment tailored to their specific needs,

recognizing the high prevalence of these disorders in both formerly incarcerated

and homeless populations. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al., 2021)

o Healthcare services to address physical health issues, which are often exacerbated

by homelessness and incarceration. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al.,

2021)

o Employment assistance including job training, job search support, and addressing

barriers to employment such as criminal record stigma. (Augustine & Kushel,

2022; Fleury et al., 2021)

o Peer support to foster a sense of community and provide guidance from

individuals with similar experiences. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al.,

2021)

3. Addressing Legal and Administrative Barriers: This population needs assistance with:

o Obtaining identification documents (e.g., driver's license, social security card)

which are essential for accessing housing, employment, and services. (Augustine

& Kushel, 2022; Fleury et al., 2021)

and adhering to conditions that may inadvertently create barriers to housing and

employment. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022)

o Addressing outstanding legal obligations such as fines and fees, which can create

further instability. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022)

4. Reducing Stigma and Discrimination: Efforts are needed to combat the stigma associated

with both a criminal record and homelessness. This includes:

o Fair Chance Housing initiatives to reduce landlord discrimination against people

with criminal records and voucher holders. (Augustine & Kushel, 2022)

o Education and awareness campaigns to challenge negative stereotypes and

promote understanding and acceptance within the community. (Augustine &

Kushel, 2022)

5. Effective Discharge Planning: To prevent homelessness upon release, comprehensive

discharge planning that begins well before release and includes housing placement

assistance is crucial. This planning should involve collaboration between correctional

facilities, community supervision agencies, and community service providers. (Augustine

& Kushel, 2022)

Discussion of How Needs Can Be Addressed by a Human Services Program

A human services program designed to address the needs of formerly incarcerated adults on

community supervision who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness would need to adopt

an integrated and client-centered approach, drawing on evidence-based practices like Housing

First. Key components of such a program could include:

and permanent housing for participants. This could involve staff dedicated to building

relationships with landlords, navigating public housing systems, assisting with voucher

applications, and advocating for fair chance housing policies. The program could also

facilitate access to PSH for individuals with chronic homelessness and significant

barriers.

• Comprehensive Case Management: Each participant would be assigned a case manager

to conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop individualized reentry plans, and

provide ongoing support and coordination of services. Case managers would act as a

central point of contact, helping participants access housing, healthcare, employment

services, and other needed resources.

• Employment Services: The program would offer a range of employment-focused

services, including skills assessment, job readiness training, resume building, job search

assistance, and connections with employers who are willing to hire formerly incarcerated

individuals. The program could also help participants address barriers to employment,

such as obtaining necessary identification or addressing transportation needs.

• Healthcare Coordination: Recognizing the high rates of physical and mental health issues,

the program would facilitate access to primary care physicians, mental health

professionals, and substance use treatment providers. This could involve on-site clinics,

partnerships with local healthcare organizations, and assistance with navigating health

insurance systems.

• Legal and Administrative Support: The program could offer assistance with obtaining

identification documents, understanding and complying with community supervision

organizations could be beneficial.

• Peer Support Groups: Facilitating peer support groups would provide participants with a

safe and supportive environment to connect with others who have similar experiences.

Peer mentors can offer valuable insights, encouragement, and practical advice.

• Stigma Reduction Initiatives: The program could actively work to reduce stigma by

educating the community about the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated and

homeless individuals and advocating for fair and equitable policies. This could involve

partnerships with community organizations and participation in public awareness

campaigns.

• Pre-Release Planning and Coordination: The program would ideally begin working with

individuals prior to their release from incarceration, collaborating with correctional

facilities to develop comprehensive discharge plans that include immediate housing

options and connections to community-based services.

By providing a comprehensive and integrated array of services that address the multifaceted

needs of this vulnerable population, a human services program can play a crucial role in breaking

the cycle of homelessness and incarceration, promoting successful reentry, and enhancing

community well-being.
References

Augustine, D., & Kushel, M. (2022). Community Supervision, Housing Insecurity, and

Homelessness. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 701(1),

152–171.

Fleury, M.-J., Grenier, G., Sabetti, J., Bertrand, K., Clément, M., & Brochu, S. (2021). Met and

unmet needs of homeless individuals at different stages of housing reintegration: A mixed-

method investigation. PLoS ONE, 16(1), e0245088.

Remster, B. (2021). Homelessness among formerly incarcerated men: Patterns and predictors.

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 693(1), 141–157.