Rejuvenate Reentry Housing

Affordable housing and homelessness

South Bay Gateway Cities Long Beach

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The number of seniors aged 62+ experiencing homelessness has increased significantly, with a 20% rise in the 2020 count, which is part of the 12.7% rise in homelessness within Los Angeles County. Seniors face unique challenges, such as navigating medical insurance and adequate health care, access to employment and disability resources, as well as difficulties maintaining community connections and mental health wellness. The need for housing assistance among individuals returning from California’s state prisons is also significant. Formerly incarcerated people are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public and 30 times more likely to be housing insecure. These challenges are not only compounded but multiplied for seniors returning from extended periods of incarceration. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, older formerly incarcerated people experience the highest rates of housing insecurity and are the most vulnerable to homelessness.

If awarded, the grant will support our Rejuvenate Reentry Housing program, a unique reentry housing program for seniors (65+). Through this program, Testimony Ministries will provide transitional housing, rental assistance/housing navigation services, and wraparound reentry services to seniors returning from state prison. Our supportive housing model is informed by our leaderships’ lived experience with reentry and incorporates case management, workforce development, mental health and wellness, and permanent housing navigation services. Our Permanent Housing Navigator/Senior Housing Specialist will work closely with transitional housing residents and case managers to ensure residents secure a safe place to live long-term once they move out of transitional housing, creating a continuum of care for our participants’ housing needs. They will also be subject matter experts on the intricacies of senior housing in Los Angeles County to help our aging participants secure age-appropriate housing and utilize benefits such as the County’s assisted living program, Section 8 vouchers, and MediCare.
All participants will also complete a reentry curriculum designed to support individuals transitioning from incarceration to successful community reintegration. The curriculum focuses on personal growth, practical life skills, technology and financial literacy, and community connection to help participants build a sustainable foundation for their futures.

Within the CA prison system, although certain seniors are eligible for the Elderly Parole Program, they cannot parole because of the lack of programs to support them. The number of seniors aged 62+ experiencing homelessness also has a significant impact on Los Angeles, especially regarding the costs of homelessness and incarceration that is increasing each year in the county.
Our Rejuvenate Reentry program will be a program that can support seniors eligible for an elderly parole hearing. If our project to Rejuvenate Reentry is successful, we can uplift our seniors who are returning citizens through providing them with tailored reentry housing and services that address their unique needs and challenges, thus reducing their potential for recidivism or homelessness and creating a reality where they can thrive in their freedom for the mutual benefit of all in our city.