Why Riverside House?

"The historic role of the church combined with its potential for volunteer resources uniquely positions the faith community to support the successful reintegration of returning prisoners."

"We know that the long-term financial costs of re-incarceration far exceed the cost of reentry programs, but that isn't even the most important reason. The heaviest cost is the loss of human dignity when people are living lives of poverty, addiction, and despair. We must-and we can-break that cycle. And faith-based and community organizations posses unique and invaluable strengths to help us reach out to those most in need."

Each year nearly 670,000 people are released from state prisons and approximately 9,000,000 people are released from jails.

A 2002 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that more than two-thirds of individuals released from prisons in 1994 were rearrested for a new offense within three years.

Of those re-arrested, more than 50% returned for committing new crimes or for violating their conditions of supervision.

At least 95% of individuals currently in prison will be released, and will return to communities, often without assistance or services.

This epidemic cannot change on its own. That's why Riverside House offers a winning combination of programs and services to help ex-offenders make the best out of their second chance at life. Our residents are provided with the basic tools they need to become caring members of their community. These include: