Reentry & Recovery Non-Congregate Sheltering Program
Studies show that people released from prison are less likely to reoffend and less likely to go back to prison if they have a stable, secure, and supportive place to live.
Yak’éiyi Kustí Yinaadei Hít
(“Going Towards the Good Life House”)
Traditionally, as many as 100 people lived in longhouses together, working and honoring one another.
The Program
Tlingit & Haida’s Reentry & Recovery department operates three non-congregate shelters for men and women returning from incarceration or residential treatment, as well as people in recovery who require sober and safe living to reenter the community in a healthy environment.
The program provides a healthy foundation that is built on culturally responsive services and case management, and direct channels to the resources necessary for successful reentry and recovery.
Using a “family” cohort model, the program is based on Peer Accountability where participants are expected to:
- Support one another for successful reentry including accountability to one another and the community
- Honor “Our Way of Life” and the Southeast Traditional Values as the heart of our work to “Hold Each Other Up”
- Promote self-sufficiency
- Participate in preparing house meals
- Attend house meetings, relationship building activities, and program opportunities coordinated by Reentry & Recovery staff
Living Space & Guidelines
All properties will have a Participant Manager living onsite between 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Participants will be provided an individual bedroom with shared common living room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
Upon acceptance into the program, participants are required to follow all guidelines:
- Keep the property alcohol and drug-free
- Complete a breathalyzer which will be conducted at curfew check everyday
- Work with a Case Manager and follow an Individual Service Plan to remain in compliance with the program
- Pay a monthly living contribution of $600 and maintain employment
- Participants will be responsible for a $375 non-refundable cleaning fee
- Take responsibility, if applicable, to pay back legal fees, restitution, and child support
- Participate in community service activities (volunteerism is also encouraged)
- Agree to random drug screenings
- Complete daily chores to ensure the facility remains clean and comfortable
Participants
Returning Citizens: We serve incarcerated Native and non-Native individuals seeking supportive living, training, resources, and employment assistance upon their transition into the community. Interested individuals will work with the Alaska Department of Corrections or a service agency to complete the referral and application process.
Citizens Who Have Completed Residential Treatment or are in Recovery: We serve individuals who have completed residential treatment and are reentering the community or those in recovery who are seeking a sober and safe living environment to transition back into the community.
Eligibility Requirements
Program admittance is based on input from the referral agency and participants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Criteria required for acceptance may include:
- Must be engaged in behavioral health treatment services (mental health and substance use disorders) prior to acceptance
- Must not have had any (at minimum) high or moderate infractions in the last six (6) months prior to acceptance
- Complete and submit an application and all referral and recommendation forms. (Note: For returning citizens, an application may be submitted as soon as release date from incarceration is known)
- Complete a valid Integrated Behavioral Health Assessment
- Schedule and complete an interview
Disclaimer: The Reentry & Recovery Non-Congregate Sheltering program is not a clinical facility; participants are required to address their behavioral health needs through Tlingit & Haida’s Community & Behavioral Services (CBS) Healing Center or another community behavioral health service agency.
Program Application Forms
For consideration into the program, please complete and submit the following forms and email them to reentry&recovery@tlingitandhaida.gov or mail them to PO Box 25500, Juneau, AK 99802.
Contact Us
For questions regarding Tlingit & Haida’s Reentry & Recovery Non-Congregate Sheltering program, please email reentry&recovery@tlingitandhaida.gov or call (907) 463-7366.