Denver Tries to Build Better Housing for Formerly Incarcerated People
April 28, 2022 by April Cotton’s experience with halfway houses in Denver underscores systemic issues in reintegration support for formerly incarcerated individuals. After spending a decade in prison, Cotton expected resources and assistance upon transitioning to a halfway house, but instead encountered a facility that mirrored the strictness of prison life. Run by private prison companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic, these halfway houses demanded high rent and restricted basic amenities like beauty products, with little support for residents’ reintegration needs. Cotton’s testimony eventually contributed to Denver’s historic decision in 2019 to end contracts with these companies, aiming to shift towards a more community-oriented and compassionate halfway housing system. The city’s efforts, including the creation of Project Elevate under local nonprofit management, reflect a broader attempt to address the shortcomings of previous models and provide trauma-informed care and essential services without the punitive measures typical of private-operated facilities. Cotton, now thriving in her own apartment and pursuing educational and career goals, symbolizes the potential for positive change when supportive environments replace punitive measures in reintegration programs.