Addressing Structural Sources of Risk for the Re-entry Population in Baltimore: A Systems Thinking Approach

Description: The recognition that housing is a pre-condition for effectively assisting homeless re-entry population who are vulnerable to Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS has led to recommendations that emphasize the need for housing strategies for both prevention and treatment. Stable housing removes the homeless re-entry population from exposure to the conditions and lifestyles, which are conducive to Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS. The overall program goal is to provide members of the minority re-entry population with a secure and supportive environment, from which they can assess their work skills, find immediate short-term employment and housing. In a pilot study service providers ensured that participants have secure housing and opportunities for immediate employment providing a secure basis for resettling in their community and avoiding a return to prison.

Methods: Structural relationships, represented by a weak system for reentry support, deny basic rights and benefits of ex-offenders limiting their ability to effectively re-settle in their communities. Systems thinking is applied as a tool for analyzing the problems due to the outcomes of these structural relationships.

Conclusion: In the pilot study ex-offenders that participated in the program were retrained in home construction and rehabilitated an abandoned house for business use. Over 70% of the participants were able to secure long term employment and avoid a return to prison. It is hoped that by expanding the program that focuses on reconstruction of abandoned homes that are within that same community a virtuous cycle of job opportunity, home renovation, community revitalization and better health outcomes can be generated.