By Luis Resto, Director, Office of Reentry
Home4Good is a rapid rehousing program for persons that have difficulty securing housing. The program includes case management that assists individuals with securing mainstream benefits, employment and other housing-related issues.
Through the hard work and dedication of Parole Agent Vince Karabin, and his collaborative work on various housing committees in the western part of the state, the Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA) is now offering Home4Good for persons exiting the state correctional system.
In order to be eligible for the Home4Good program, the individual must have at least one denied home plan submission and be able to provide proof of residency in one of the following counties: Armstrong, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington or Westmoreland. Proof of residency may include a driver's license, PA photo ID or any other documentation that establishes prior residency.
Since April 2020, 17 referrals have been received. Ten individuals have been placed in apartments, two placed in other approved plans, one relocated out of state and four continue in the placement process.
The Home4Good Program serves as an example of a successful pathway for reentrants to secure an apartment in the community directly from the state correctional institution or community corrections center. Referrals to the program should be made 90 days prior to release to allow sufficient time to complete an intake, work with partners and to locate appropriate housing.