Advocates back reentry housing bill to reduce recidivism and aid stability
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Summary
Witnesses including Senator Adam Gomez and service providers testified for S996 / H1554 to create reentry housing supports — including vouchers and case management — for people leaving incarceration, citing low recidivism rates for housing-first programs and cost savings.
Senator Adam Gomez and nonprofit providers pressed the committee to pass S996 / H1554, a bill to secure housing for returning citizens by coordinating housing planning, vouchers and services to support reentry.
Why it matters: Witnesses said housing is a cornerstone of successful reentry — without stable housing, employment, family reunification and rehabilitation become more difficult. Senator Gomez described the bill as an "evidence-based reentry housing program" that would coordinate the Department of Corrections, probation, parole, and community organizations.
Evidence and programs: Noah Risley of Just for Housing described the SHARP program (Stable Housing and Reentry), which provides 12–18 months of wraparound services; he reported a 2% recidivism rate among program participants and said the program saved the Commonwealth an estimated $3 million over five years. He and others urged the committee to establish state-level resources and a dedicated office or funding to scale similar programs.
Design considerations: Testimony recommended early discharge planning for housing needs, prioritization for state‑funded housing pools or vouchers, and outcome-based metrics to track recidivism and housing stability.
Conclusion: Supporters asked the committee to report S996/H1554 favorably to allow program expansion and formal state partnerships with community providers.