For many people leaving prison, the hardest part of their sentence might actually begin after they’re released. Securing a job and finding a place to live is difficult and overwhelming, especially when support systems are limited or nonexistent.
One man named Kerwin Pittman knows the struggle and is trying to change the system from the ground up. He has made history by becoming the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States to purchase a prison for $275,000.
He spent more than a decade in prison himself, which included a year in solitary confinement. His time in prison motivated him to start his own nonprofit and help those coming out of incarceration transition into society. His nonprofit is called Recidivism Reduction Educational Programs Services (RREPS).
“The needs of someone coming out of incarceration are steep,” he said. “I did eleven and a half years inside of the prison system, and when I came home, a lot of the support that individuals don’t have, I had.”
“But a lot of my friends didn’t have. And so, this mission hits near and dear to my heart.”
He has a vision that goes beyond owning property. He wants to create a transitional workforce development campus on the North Carolina prison site, offering housing, job training, and trauma-informed care. The campus is 19 acres, or 80,000 square feet.
Right now, there is a decline in the number of people who are certified in trades like brick masonry, HVAC, and plumbing.
Individuals who need a second chance can fill these roles if they are just given a helping hand. Of course, turning a former prison into a place of support won’t happen overnight.
“What it is going to take to stand this campus up is love, compassion, and a lot of donations and philanthropic support from the communities,” said Pittman.
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“When we invest in people instead of investing in institutions, we really make a direct impact on public safety. We know that when individuals have shelter, and they have great programming, they are more likely to thrive, and this is what this campus is going to do.”
In the comments section, many people, especially those who have experienced incarceration themselves, are deeply inspired by his work.
“Ex-felon here, about to graduate from my social work degree program, and this is exactly what I want to do with my career,” commented one person.
“This is wonderful. As a former DMV employee, I cannot tell you how many formerly incarcerated people I spoke with who couldn’t move forward because of holds and compliance issues. You could literally hear the hope drain out of their voices because it was so overwhelming,” wrote another.
“As a formerly incarcerated person who graduates in May with a degree in Substance Use and Recovery, this is beyond incredible to me,” stated a third.
By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
