Dear Editor,

Palmer is wonderful place to live due to its rich history, natural beauty and friendly neighbors. But, Palmer has a serious problem. One could call it a prisoner re-entry problem, or Department of Corrections (DOC) problem. A problem that is a serious public safety issue and which questions our basic humanitarianism. The problem is: some prisoners are being released into the community without basic human needs of food, clothes, water, transportation, identification documents, or a safe place to sleep.

I know this because within a three week period this summer, I encountered two persons just released. One (a woman just released from prison) had no identification, money, telephone or transportation to her home in Wasilla. The other (a man questioned and released from the Mat-Su Pre-trial Facility—and presumed innocent) had no telephone, or transportation to his home in Anchorage and desperately needed food and a safe place to sleep. I felt strong compassion for both and, though I tried, was unable to meet the needs of the woman. She responded to my inability with anger by yelling and waving her arms. I was able, with some difficulty, to find temporary help for the man. He responded to my attempts with gratitude.

I conclude that Palmer absolutely needs transitional housing in the vicinity of the Pre-trial Facility where these persons can opt to meet with trained social workers knowledgeable in the social services and the correctional system. There, former prisoners could get basic human needs and be directed to the appropriate social services for their future.

Statistics show that 67% of Alaska prisoners return within three years. We can all agree that is too high—that we all want people to avoid crime and stay out of prison. The DOC website outlines a thorough Reentry Manual which can walk prisoners through essential personal and social preparations (such civil documents, housing, employment, emergency food centers, social support networks, money management, child care and family readiness, and a plan for life out of prison).

It sounds wonderful! Until we understand that prisoners are released with only what they came in with, often without the basics. We can’t say, “Goodbye. Have a great life!” to someone who has no basic needs. They could be at the total mercy of strangers, or turn to crime in order to get them. Is this what Palmer wants?

Barbara S. Johnson

Palmer