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Reentry task force says housing fund available; $20,000 currently budgeted, application process required
Summary
The chairman of the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force said the group has raised funds to support people leaving incarceration and that about $20,000 is currently available for initial housing needs; the group described an application and vetting process involving probation and partner agencies.
Tom McHugh, chair of the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force, told the county commissioners on Jan. 22 that the task force has built a balance of funds to help people leaving prison secure housing and that the program has an application process involving probation.
"We have funding up to a $100,000 a person if they request funding to help them find a safe affordable housing," McHugh said, describing the available support for successful home plans. He also said the task force has "probably close to $20,000" currently available in its budget for immediate needs such as first month's rent and security deposits.
McHugh asked that people who know someone who will be released and needs housing support contact him or the task force treasurer, and he thanked the district attorney's office and local drug- and alcohol-services partners for support. He said the program will vet requests with probation to ensure funds go to reputable landlords and appropriate housing.
No formal board action or new county funding was announced at the meeting; the announcement was to inform the public and service providers about the existing task-force resource.
