In Newfoundland and Labrador, the growing issue of inmates being released from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s without stable housing is raising concerns. According to Dan McGettigan, founder of Turnings, a non-profit focused on rehabilitation, the shortage of affordable housing, fragmented community support, and a high number of pretrial detainees contribute to this problem. In the first half of this year, 21 out of 146 released inmates had no listed address, a significant increase compared to previous years.
McGettigan highlights that the lack of stable housing increases the risk of reoffending, posing a danger to both the individuals and the community. He emphasizes the need for a more collaborative approach among various stakeholders to address this issue. The penitentiary, which is overcrowded and in poor condition, further exacerbates the problem. Conditions inside the facility include rodent infestations, mold, and inadequate medical care, which can worsen inmates’ situations upon release.
The provincial government has plans to replace the outdated facility and has set up mobile health care units at the penitentiary. However, the process of finding stable housing and support for released inmates remains challenging. Lorelei Roberts from correctional services points out that the high number of pretrial detainees complicates exit planning. To improve outcomes, McGettigan stresses the importance of community involvement in developing and implementing comprehensive release plans that include housing and support services.
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