The book by Bruce Western Homeward: Life in the year after prison provides different perspectives on the struggles that ex-prisoners face once released from jail. In particular, the author discusses the problems of housing insecurity and homelessness. According to Western (2018), 4-11% of recently released prisoners remained homeless for two years in Philadelphia and New York (p. 38). Moreover, 10% of ex-convicts in Massachusetts found themselves in a shelter after incarceration in the 1990s (Western, 2018, p. 38). Western conducted interviews collecting valuable perspectives of recently released individuals on the main issues they face in the first year after prison. In particular, a study reveals that the majority of older respondents and individuals with addictions and mental illnesses reported having difficulties with housing. Therefore, such populations are more vulnerable in their first year out of prison. Overall, reentry into society is complicated by various factors, including poverty and lack of affordable housing. Governmental programs and support of family members are not sufficient to address the problems of ex-prisoners.
The conclusions provided by Western suggest that a study is needed focusing on the housing insecurity problem faced by individuals recently released from prison. For instance, a survey can be conducted to collect data regarding their needs for governmental support with housing and perspectives on social insecurity. Western’s findings suggest that a study can be centered around particularly vulnerable populations such as older individuals or people with mental illnesses or addictions. The well-being of the respondents can be evaluated based on the information obtained, and conclusions can be drawn with regard to measures required to address the problem. Such a study would be beneficial due to providing evidence-based methods for supporting ex-prisoners and improving the process of their reentry into society.
Reference
Western, B. (2018). Homeward: Life in the year after prison. Russell Sage Foundation.