FIRST STEP

Women’s Reentry Stabilization Pilot

Women leaving Coffee Creek Correctional Facility after long periods of incarceration step into Multnomah County with no ID, no income, no housing, no healthcare, and no support network. Additionally, they face extreme barriers such as outdated skills, trauma histories, and no digital literacy.

The first 30–90 days determine whether they stabilize or fall into recidivism or homelessness, resulting in costly system involvement. The FIRST STEP Pilot establishes a one‑on‑one navigation model that closes the gaps between DOC release and community stability, ensuring that women can rebuild their lives safely, quickly, and with dignity.

Women exiting incarceration often face compounded risks including human trafficking and substance‑use relapse. These high‑risk factors increase vulnerability to exploitation and crisis, underscoring the urgent need for trauma‑informed, comprehensive support embedded in the pilot’s navigation model. Harbor of Hope’s approach integrates specialized resources and partnerships to mitigate these risks, ensuring safety, sustained recovery, and long‑term stabilization.

Program Description: A One‑on‑One Navigator from Day One

This is not a referral model. It is a hands‑on, high‑touch, trauma‑informed partnership based on a dedicated navigator who guides each woman through every step of reentry.

Core Components

• Pre‑Release Connection: Begins inside to build trust and prepare a stabilization plan.

• Day‑of‑Release Stabilization: Transportation, clothing, food, phone, and safety planning.

• Identity & Eligibility: ID, Social Security, birth certificate, OHP, SNAP, and other benefits.

• Healthcare & Behavioral Health: Assistance with OHP application, rapid linkage to primary care, mental health, substance‑use treatment, and ongoing care navigation.

• Housing Pathway: Transitional housing, rental applications, and landlord navigation.

• Employment Readiness: Digital literacy, resume building, job search coaching, and connection to apprenticeships and trade partners.

• Life Skills & Community Integration: Banking, transportation, technology, communication, conflict resolution, and community support networks.

• Long‑Term Connection: Consistent assistance and check‑ins for 12 months to ensure stability.

Why This Pilot Works

• High‑touch navigation and personal relationship is the most effective intervention for people exiting incarceration.

• Data shows that when individuals receive coordinated eligibility, healthcare navigation, and stabilization support, they remain housed, connected to care, and able to pursue employment.

• Women benefit disproportionately from trauma‑informed, relationship‑based support, especially those with histories of violence, trafficking, or addiction.

Pilot Scale & Investment

• Initial Cohort: 15–20 women.

• Philanthropic Investment: Supports one navigator, stabilization resources, and program coordination for 12 months.

• Outcome Tracking: Healthcare engagement, employment readiness, reduced crisis‑system use, and housing stability.

Expected Outcomes

• Stabilization that reduces homelessness and recidivism.

• Increased healthcare access and care continuity that improves quality of life.

• Higher job placement rates that provide fuel for each person’s hopes and dreams.

Funding Request

Harbor of Hope respectfully requests $350,000 in private philanthropic support to implement this 12‑month pilot program. Funding will support a dedicated navigator, essential stabilization resources, and comprehensive support services that ensure successful reentry and long‑term stability for women released from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility into Multnomah County.

This investment will allow Harbor of Hope to demonstrate a replicable, evidence‑informed model of reentry support that improves outcomes for women, strengthens families, and reduces reliance on costly crisis systems.