why help prisoners

RICHARD WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON THREE MONTHS AGO. While incarcerated, he worked hard to become a better person, and now he’s ready for a fresh start. But everyone he meets disappears as soon as they find out about his past. Joe wonders, “Why won’t anyone give me a chance to prove I’ve changed?”

ROBERT GOT INVOLVED IN DRUGS AND GANG VIOLENCE WHEN HE WAS YOUNG. Now he’s behind bars, but his lifestyle hasn’t changed. He’s still getting into fights and sneaking drugs. Robert wishes he could shake off the anger and sober up, but he doesn’t even know where to begin.

These aren’t just stories. HOPE House of Tacoma meets people in these situations every day. Chances are you’ve met them too. The 700,000 men and women that our criminal justice system releases from prison each year return to communities around the country—including yours. The numbers are staggering:

Nationwide, an estimated 68% of released prisoners were arrested within three years, 79% within six years, and 83% within nine years, according to the National Institute of Justice.

EACH month, the state of Washington releases roughly 700 people from its prisons. These men and women, having served their time, seek a productive life on the outside. Yet within three years, about one-third wind up back in prison on one or more new felony convictions. Their new trials and imprisonment place an additional burden on taxpayers — not to mention the burden their crimes place on victims.

Without your help, these numbers will continue to grow. Roberts’s violent habits will hurt more people and Joe will lose hope, return to his old ways, and end up back in prison.