Ex-Inmates Receive Housing in Idaho -- First of Its Kind in Pacific Northwest
by Staff
May 30, 2007
BOISE, (christiansunite.com) -- New Hope Community Health (NHCH) of Boise, ID announced the opening of its first "Staffed, Safe and Sober House Program" for ex-inmates, located in the capitol city of Boise, ID. It is the first faith-based housing program opportunity for ex-inmates who have completed their jail or prison sentences and now must transition back to society, working while they do so. The ex-inmates who are involved in this program are NOT sex-offenders, but were incarcerated for offenses such as white collar crimes, personal drug use and other crimes. 7 houses are planned to open by summer's end, 30 houses by year's end."Staffed, Safe and Sober House" is a designation by the Access to Recovery grant in association with the Recovery Support Services program, administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. This is a program, for which ex-inmates choose to apply. As a faith-based organization, no one is required to apply. There are over 1000 current inmates in Idaho awaiting release from incarceration; obtaining housing must happen first.
This new program will allow individuals who have paid their debt to society to again rejoin the community through houses located throughout southwestern Idaho. New Hope is pleased to help these men and women, all of whom have shown themselves willing and ready to overcome their past and begin the process of creating a new future. The houses are gender-specific, with the first residence housing men.
The Staffed, Safe and Sober model provides a program that helps ex-inmates, who have fulfilled their court-ordered sentencing to live in community and take behavior education classes such as Cognitive Self Change I & II, Drug and Alcohol Awareness classes, Anger Management, and other classes. All residents must hold down a job, be responsible with their money and attend classes. A Resident Manager lives in each house and holds the program attendees to the highest accountability, with drug tests administered regularly, actions monitored and Parole Officers contacted regularly.
New Hope Community Health was opened in 2006 as a faith-based alternative choice for court-ordered classes. It works in association with Prison Fellowship, the Boise Rescue Mission, various non- profit organizations, churches and businesses throughout the state of Idaho. Its principle offices are at 9460 Fairview, Boise. Its Staff is composed of business leaders and ex-inmates, working together for change. Website is www.NewHopeCommunityHealth.com
New Hope was founded by Dennis Mansfield - longtime national conservative political leader, whose son, Nate became addicted to opiates and heroin 8 years ago. Additionally, former inmates whom Mansfield led to Christ (through jail ministry) have now joined the New Hope staff and are working together to reclaim lives lost to substance abuse and behavior disorder.
