News  The Massachusetts Probation Service is providing transitional housing and supports for those with addiction and for individuals leaving prison

This housing includes 100 sober beds at 80 sober homes across the state as well as living quarters and services for individuals who are leaving prison or other facilities and re-entering society who might otherwise be homeless during this challenging time of COVID-19 when the prison system, employment, and the homeless shelter system are heavily impacted. 

MPS purchased sober bed housing that will be available to probationers and parolees through August 31, 2020. As part of an Interagency Service Agreement with Parole, MPS provided funds, to secure sober housing beds throughout the state for probationers, parolees, and for people being released from Houses of Correction and the Department of Correction. These resources are made possible through a joint effort of the MPS, the Massachusetts Parole Board, and MassHealth in partnership with the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). 

“There are fewer resources available to support probationers and people released from prison that may not have functional home plans and behavioral health supports,” said Deputy Commissioner-Field Services Michael Coelho. 

During the first year of MPS's newly created Reentry Services Unit, approximately 375 individuals have been admitted into four of the Community Resources of Justice (CRJ) homes upon release from prison and other facilities, according to Statewide Manager of Reentry Services Jill Forbes. Ms. Forbes said participants receive short-term transitional housing typically for a period of three to six months, as well as case management services and supervision during their stay to help prepare for a smooth and successful return to the community.

"This housing is not just for people leaving prison. It is also for people struggling in the community who have been involved in the court system. This housing is not limited to those who would otherwise be homeless. It is for everyone who needs assistance," said Forbes. 

The Brooke House in Boston's Fenway neighborhood admitted 176 individuals: 57 probationers, 59 parolees, 42 from the House of Corrections, and 18 who are set to wrap up their sentences. The Foundation Home in Springfield opened its doors to 114 people: 30 probationers, 35 parolees, 22 from the House of Correction, seven from the Sheriff's, and 20 scheduled to wrap up their sentences. 

In Boston's South End, the McGrath House, admitted 84 women--including 19 probationers, 34 parolees, 17 from the House of Correction, and 14 with wrapped sentences. There Is A Solution (TIAS) opened earlier this month and is based in both New Bedford and Fall River where one probationer, two parolees, and one individual from the Department of Corrections now resides are entering the program this month.