Richmond, CA – There is a 70% recidivism rate for formerly incarcerated individuals in Richmond that has impacted families for generations, that statistic is about to change. 

Over 150 community members came together on July 23 at the Richmond Recreation Center to hear research and explore solutions and get public commitments from City Officials to create more opportunities for formerly incarcerated residents. 

In the next couple of months 250 inmates will be released and rejoining their communities in Contra Costa County.  These individuals will be coming back to Richmond and if public officials follow through with their commitments, they will be greeted with opportunities to change their lives for the better.

The Safe Return Project is ensuring that these commitments will be followed through.

This action was organized by the Safe Return Team which consists of five formerly incarcerated Richmond residents who are working towards solutions to the recidivism issue in their communities.  They conducted research, interviewed 500 residents, and surveyed 104 individuals on parole and probation.  The Safe Return Project came about through a collaboration between the Office of Neighborhood Safety, the Pacific Institute and CCISCO. 

The focus for the coming months will be:

• Ban the Box, which will be championed by Council Member Jeff Ritterman in the Fall;

• One Stop Service Center for formerly incarcerated residents coming to Richmond;

• Housing with a pre-release component and a Section 8 voucher upon successful completion of reentry;

• Creation of a support group for formerly incarcerated residents and community members.