California Prison Re-Entry Facilities Questioned (Redding: employment, housing, estimated)

[RLF]

I went and spoke at the meeting last night, and I can tell you these forums are nothing more than let the public vent, then go right ahead with their plan. THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY IN REDDING AND SHASTA COUNTY ARE NOT BEING MET NOW. Response from CDC, “It’s your own people. It’s people that are going to be here anyway,” Interesting response since they depend so heavely on non profits and churches to be a part of this plan. Quote "They can hook up these folks to services in the community": What services? I give out the same list of services to folks at Loaves and Fishes these other "services " do, and so often they come back saying none of them can help me,what will make this any different ?? I had a man come in last week in tears saying nobody will hire him because he is a Felon. The biggest farce, the CDC woman in her speech said these people will find jobs, will find housing oppon release here !?!?! If there are so many wonderfull church and non profit programs, why havent they marched right up to our present jail facility to prevent recidivism, house, and find employment for these folks now ?

Read More:
Shasta County plans new Prison re-entry facility

[Inthesierras]

What is your suggestion as an alternative to the re-entry facilities? It's a complicated matter and the truth is those offenders will be released into the community with or without skills to maintain a decent lifestyle. The current estimated recidivism rate is between 73%-75%. Training programs in prison like the underwater welding and fire fighting programs reduce recidivism to about 30%. Those programs accept the low level offenders. So job training can reduce the prison population.

I totally understand the 'not in my backyard' thought. What are the alternatives? How has your state congressman reacted to the plan? Was he or she at the community meeting?