From Inquest:
I was released from Louisiana State Prison at the age of seventy on March 30, 2023. I had served forty-seven years of a life sentence, and though I’d hoped to be released, it was still unexpected when it happened. Upon my release, I was lucky to be taken in by the Louisiana Parole Project (LPP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting reentry efforts for formerly incarcerated individuals. Due to how long I had been in prison, I was categorized as a “long-term” releasee, qualifying me for a guaranteed year of housing through LPP, during which time I was theoretically meant to get on my feet.
However, because of my age, I am unable to work. This has meant being entirely reliant on a Supplemental Security Income totaling $943 a month, insufficient for my survival needs. This limited income—and the challenges of finding acceptance in society after a lifetime incarcerated—made it challenging to secure housing outside of the LPP program, which is designed only to be a bridge, not a permanent solution.
My journey underscores the harsh realities faced by many long-term incarcerated individuals reentering society. Particularly for older individuals, it is a struggle to transition from a carceral environment to independent living. Almost all reentry programs envision an individual who is able to work, and thus support themselves financially, as they strive to reintegrate into society. This emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support systems in addressing the complex needs of released prisoners and facilitating successful reentry into the community. Continue reading >>>
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