Fund housing programs for the formerly incarcerated

Approximately 600,000 people are released from prison each year. Within five years, three-quarters will have been rearrested.[1] Housing is essential to reducing recidivism and helping individuals with mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUDs) sustain their recovery. Securing stable post-release housing is particularly critical for the estimated 44 percent of individuals in jail and 37 percent in prison with a mental health condition and 63 percent and 58 percent, respectively, with an SUD.[2] By passing legislation such as the Returning Home Act, which would provide $100 million for community organizations to establish housing demonstration projects for individuals returning from incarceration and authorize funds for rental assistance and other housing stabilization services, Congress could make progress towards decriminalizing mental illness in America.[3]