Prison re-entry group finds housing for first inmate

Second candidate also housed with aid from coalition

The Blair County Prison Re-entry Coalition has finally achieved a long-awaited breakthrough: helping a Blair County Prison inmate who was eligible for release but apparently stymied for lack of a housing plan get out and into suitable quarters.

Such a success occurred early in January, followed by a similar success with a second inmate later in the month, according to a report from the coalition's Housing Subcommittee at a coalition meeting Thursday.

"We've got to start somewhere," said temporary coalition Director Ken Dean after the meeting.

The success occurred after the subcommittee had identified a trio of inmates who met a series of "qualifications we wanted," according to Dean.

Those generally include not having committed certain types of crime, a willingness to follow through with programs designed to prevent relapses for drug and alcohol use and mental health issues and expected cooperation with the probation and parole office, according to Dean.

The subcommittee is set up to help identify suitable housing, while providing or obtaining assistance with security deposits and rent, along with items like furnishings and other household necessities.

The subcommittee also helps newly released inmates get financial benefits to which they're entitled, along with work, according to Dean.

Inmates come out of prison with nothing but what they had with them when arrested, Dean said.

One of the challenges for the subcommittee has been recruiting landlords.

The subcommittee has tried to reassure landlords that the coalition would provide "wraparound" services for former inmates, so they become worthy tenants -- while also providing help to the landlords in dealing with problems the tenants may create.

The coalition will be providing its clients with support for dealing with partners and children, employment coaching and assistance with daily life skills like reading a lease, putting the trash out and paying bills.

Arrangements for peer support is part of the coalition effort.

Help for landlords can include how to handle problems with tenant housekeeping, officials have said.

The effort for the third housing candidate fell through, officials said.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.