New Housing Partnership Will Provide Community Support Services, Job Training & Substance Abuse Counseling for Women Exiting Incarceration

(4/13/2021) Thrive DC today announced an expanded partnership with Community Family Life Services (CFLS) to increase our capacity to address the intersecting needs of women with addictions who are involved in the criminal justice system. In February of this year, Thrive DC and CFLS opened a new 7-bed transitional home for women returning from incarceration, which is already operating at full capacity. In June, we will open a new 12-bed facility for this community, also located in Northeast.

Women coming to these houses will be welcomed into a community of peer support that includes the full range of Thrive DC & CFLS services: 1:1 case management, substance abuse counseling, support collecting personal documentation, job counseling, "Starter Kits," and help navigating a radically changed city from when they entered incarceration.

One out of five DC residents exiting incarceration will be homeless within three months. At a time when more DC residents are coming home from incarceration due to legislation like the 2nd Chance Act and compassionate release, our city needs more housing resources. Safe, stable, and supportive housing is the cornerstone of a strong foundation for returning citizens to successfully reintegrate back into the community.

"Housing is important because a lot of us come home without support," said Ms. Karen Collins, Thrive DC client and CFLS House Manager. "It takes a huge burden off our shoulders. And what Thrive and CLFS give us is not just housing, but structure and support after a really traumatic period of our lives. Knowing they're in our corner gives us the confidence to move forward. Without both of these organizations, I wouldn't have been able to do it."

As Thrive DC works to address a history of racial discrimination and societal imbalances in our city, addressing the lack of housing for women coming home from prison answers a critical need that will help level the playing field for people working to rebuild their lives.

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About Thrive DC

Thrive DC is a "one stop shop" for people with the fewest resources in DC. We believe that everyone has the potential to thrive when offered dignity, caring, and compassion. Our mission is to end and prevent homelessness in the District. to learn more, visit our website at www.thrivedc.org.

About Community Family Life Services

Since 1969, Community Family Life Services (CFLS) has provided children, families, and adults with the tools and resources needed to move beyond poverty and homelessness. CFLS also supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency. To learn more, visit their website at www.cflsdc.org.

Meet Ms. Karen