A recent article in the Denver Post described the issues formerly incarcerated persons face when reentering society. Employment is a major problem, as employers are often reluctant to hire someone with a criminal record. The problem is nationwide, but Denver has something other cities do not, Belay Enterprises.
According to its website, Belay Enterprises is a faith-based organization that creates businesses that train and employ formerly incarcerated persons, the homeless, and those with a history of substance abuse. Bud’s Warehouse is one such business run by Belay Enterprises. According to the Denver Post, the store sells sinks, doors, appliances, windows, and other items used for home improvement projects, at thrift store prices. The store’s items are donated, and are mostly new. The Post reports that the workers at Bud’s Warehouse are paid $8-10 per hour, and that the majority of the workers reside in halfway houses. Most of those who work at a transitional job at the warehouse find employment elsewhere when they exit the company.
Belay Enterprises also founded Baby Buds, which is now a separate entity. Baby Buds created Freedom Cleaning Services, which has a customer base of churches and businesses. Another business that was started by Belay Enterprises is Good Neighbor Garage. which sells and repairs cars at a low cost. A good portion of the garage’s customers are single mothers who need reliable transportation to get to work.
Started in 1995 by a group of builders, business owners, pastors, and community leaders in the Denver area, Bud’s mission is to help people rebuild their lives. The name Bud’s has special significance. It stands for Building Unity and Dignity through Service. Even the name Belay is meaningful. Belay is a rock-climbing term that is used to describe holding a rope as a safety net to enable someone else make an ascent.
The Denver Post reports that federal funding for reentry programs are scarce, and that such programs are “the bunker in the storm.” William Cash, the career development coordinator for the Community Reentry Project, told the Post, “Without us keeping (ex-cons) from being reincarcerated, the community would go to hell in a hand basket.”
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