It automatically took that stress off a person; trying to find somewhere to stay.

They don’t only teach you language; they help you to learn the culture, how the politics are, the history of America. So now I feel like I’m a part of this culture after meeting HopeWorks.

Each year, over 600,000 people are released from prisons according to the Bureau of Justice statistics, and around 7000 of those are here in Shelby County. There are numerous barriers that these individuals face when they find their “freedom”. Before they can even think about getting a job, within minutes of being released they must answer the question “where am I staying tonight?” Without an alternative, many will return to the environment where they were arrested which, is often, the first step in returning to prison. In fact, the Bureau of Justice says 68% of those released will be rearrested within three years.

Case managers work tirelessly to eliminate the barriers, but until now, their efforts were limited when it came to housing. The connections they have with shelters and rescue missions in the MidSouth are few and very few property managers will accept someone with a record. But in 2022, HopeWorks inherited an existing transitional housing facility, which jumpstarted a new ReEntry Housing project.

Construction is underway to build a new transitional housing facility on the main campus on Summer Avenue.

Next Story will allow for increased occupancy and closer proximity to other HW programs elevating the accountability that will set the residents up for greater success.

Thanks to our Generous Sponsors and Partners

Anonymous and Individual Donors
First Horizon Bank
Mark H. & Melinda George Family
Highland Church of Christ
The Martin Family Foundation
Pyramid Peak Foundation
Raymond James Financial
Renaissance Group
Wagner General Contractors, Inc.