Scott County highlights 'transformation homes' as a housing and reentry approach

County staff and a subcontracted provider told the Scott County Board on July 21 that the county27s Scott Delivers "transformation homes" program provides housing stabilization and wraparound supports to justice-involved people who are homeless or have ties to the county.

"These are homes that are stood up for individuals that are homeless in Scott County and have ties to Scott County," said Molly Bruner, who identified herself as the community corrections director. Bruner described the program27s goals as stabilization, housing, food and linkages to services designed to reduce recidivism.

Presenters said the program began in 2021 and now operates two men's homes and one women's home. An outside evaluator hired by the county reviewed outcomes; staff reported that, as of February 2025, 32 clients had exited the program and that results compared favorably to a demographically similar probation comparison group. "The evaluators actually had us come back like three different times because they didn't think this was possible to have as good of outcomes as we're seeing," Bruner said.

Partners explained that the model intentionally places homes in single-family, traditional neighborhoods to help residents feel like neighbors rather than being labeled. "You want people to feel part of the community," Bruner said, noting the county used recent academic research to design the approach.

Damascus Way27s executive director, Tier Webster, said the provider has seen other communities seek to replicate the model and that Damascus Way has acquired homes in other cities because of that interest. Webster described peer recovery staffing, a fatherhood program called Destiny Dads, youth and family supports, and community mentoring as examples of programming tied to the homes.

County staff and Damascus Way said formal clinical services (mental-health and chemical-dependency treatment) are generally provided off-site through county providers and referrals, while the houses provide peer supports, soft-skills training and community connections. "Clients are able to access our mental health center for mental health services," said Carrie Lorenz, a community corrections staffer, describing referral pathways and partnerships with workforce services.

On financing, presenters said the county stood up some homes using properties already owned and initially ran the program with ARPA funding and a five-year grant from the Department of Corrections. "We have not had levy impact from that perspective," Bruner said; she added the county expects to transition some funding to state sales-tax dollars beginning in 2027.

Commissioners asked about selection bias (whether voluntary participants disproportionately drive positive outcomes); presenters acknowledged will is a factor but said the research and evaluation indicate the housing vehicle itself produces measurable benefit. One commissioner noted that while will matters, "if they don't have the vehicle for change, the likelihood decreases significantly," an observation county staff said reinforces the program27s purpose.

The presentation closed with commissioners praising the work and staff noting ongoing audits and evaluations to maintain accountability. Staff emphasized that, while the program is costly upfront, the county expects reduced criminal-justice and social costs if participants sustain stability.