Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

Program helps formerly incarcerated individuals to attain sustainable housing

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH -The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry has collaborated with the Oriana House, Inc., and North Star Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center (North Star), to provide emergency funding to support formerly incarcerated individuals and their families facing housing insecurity. The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry is providing $100,000 in funding towards the program.

The Rapid Reentry Housing Funds Program offers direct payments to landlords and utility companies on behalf of individuals recently released from incarceration. The funds are allocated to address outstanding debts, cover security deposits, or assist with the first month's rent. Eligibility for participation in the program is determined through assessments conducted by North Star and its partners and operates on a first come, first served basis. To apply for the program, candidates should visit the North Star Reentry Resource Center.

To qualify for the Rapid Reentry Housing Funds Program one-time payment assistance, applicants MUST:

• Have been released within the last 180 days from a State Prison, County Jail, Halfway House, or Community Based Correctional Facility.
• Reside in Cuyahoga County.
• Complete and submit ALL required documents.

"Often, individuals returning home after involvement with the criminal justice system face challenges such as unemployment, housing instability, overdue rent, utility bills, and more,” said Marcus D. Bell, Program Services Supervisor for North Star. “Access to these direct funds will play a crucial role in our mission to reduce homelessness in the reentry community and Cuyahoga County as a whole."

“The Rapid Reentry Housing Funds program is part of Cuyahoga County’s initiative to stabilize housing for residents in need,” said Simeon Best, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry. “Stable housing plays a critical role in reducing recidivism. The chances of justice-impacted individuals reoffending significantly decrease with safe living options.”

For further information about the Rapid Reentry Housing Funds program and related initiatives, please contact the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry at (216) 698-3437 or the North Star Reentry Resource Center at 216-881-5440.