
About Us
Our Story
Each year thousands of people are released from state prisons across America. More than 10% of those coming out of prison become homeless in the months following their release. Homelessness or housing instability increases an individual’s risk of re-offending. Ex-offenders experiencing homelessness, usually do not have strong family ties or have family members who are also involved in the criminal justice system, struggling with addiction, or facing financial issues. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing leaves ex-offenders competing for the same limited resources as those who have no criminal history.
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SMC Community Project was founded in 2020 by a group of East Palo Alto natives to address housing instability amongst youth returning from prison and to provide other supportive services to help ex-offenders successfully reenter society. Our goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism in San Mateo County by providing housing, employment services, and overall case management to transitional age youth between 18-24. Our board of directors and staff have first-hand knowledge of the issues youth face when leaving prison. Our team is made up of professionals who work with homeless populations all over the Bay Area, and understand the social constructs that contribute to recidivism and the foundational needs that must be met in order to create real and permanent change in the lives of formerly incarcerated youth in California.
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