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As Philly's inmate population plummets, why aren't we saving any money?

Anna Orso

July 12, 2017 |

Billy Penn |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reducing inmate populations doesn’t necessarily cut costs. The funding equation is far more complex. Complying with employee pension laws, offering more services to inmates, and other growing costs can replace any savings from reforms that shrink the incarcerated population.

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How Cleveland has become a leader in trying to eradicate human trafficking

Christopher Johnston

July 09, 2017 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

Largely unbeknownst to the public eye, Cleveland has been battling human trafficking in various forms for many years. Recently, the city has become a leader in trying to eradicate this longstanding problem. Thanks to a small group of activists and nonprofits, using billboards and gift bags as well as other creative methods, these groups are raising awareness, conducting strip club outreach, and creating a victim support network to help make human trafficking an issue of the past.

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Smarter Design for Skid Row

Liz Wolfe

June 28, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

Mitigating homelessness on Los Angeles' infamous "Skid Row" comprises myriad obstacles. But a collaboration between city officials, a USC architecture class project, and the Skid Row Housing Trust has responded with a multi-pronged solution in "pod-style" housing units. They have composed a cost-effective pre-fab design technology that eases their transportation, on-site construction and visual imposition on a neighborhood, while the pods' zoning classification as "congregant housing" minimizes the risk for local opposition to homeless support services on claims of structural or aesthetic noncompliance.

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Rethinking Homeless Shelters From the Ground Up

Krutika Pathi

June 28, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The homeless population in NYC stands at the highest number since the Great Depression. The Bowery Residents Committee has suggested changes to how shelters emerge, run and are funded. With a focus on results-based funding, the BRC advocates for the prioritization of impact on the people served. It rewards locations that demonstrate a high ratio of people moving in to those returning; "building to the function" of helping people re-enter society; and eliminating private landlords.

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The Tiny-House Village That Started a Movement

Matt Mills McKnight

June 28, 2017 |

KCTS-PBS |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Olympia, Washington

The economic growth along the West coast has been huge, but the population increase has also increased housing costs, pushing thousands onto the streets. In response, the non-profit Panza has developed a novel approach to sheltering the homeless. With an affordable land lease from the county, and financial support from the state and local community organizations, Panza has created a "tiny-house village" that has offered space, safety and support for individuals to overcome their financial hardships and find jobs and housing on their own.

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Pennsylvania offers a new 'smart on crime' approach. But does it actually work?

Samantha Melamed

June 26, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

In an effort to reduce prison populations, some U.S. cities are enacting reforms that emphasize short, swift, and certain punishments for minor violations. Despite the hype, such reforms may be no better than existing practices.

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Start-Ups For the State

Tik Root

June 26, 2017 |

Foreign Policy |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Rwanda, Musanze

As part of the massive effort to rebuild their country and encourage economic opportunity - particularly for youth - Rwanda has incorporated entrepreneurship into their culture, education, and economy at an unprecedented level, equating it with nationalism and patriotism. From required courses for students in secondary school to government supported training workshops, they are hoping to create new opportunities and become leaders in social enterprise. But does State-imposed entrepreneurship really inspire sustainable new ventures?

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Addicts Need Help. Jails Could Have the Answer.

Sam Quinones

June 16, 2017 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Covington, Kentucky

Kentucky is rethinking its penal system for dealing with drug offenders and has shown success in reducing recidivism and relapse rates. Instead of leaving addicts to languish in the typical jailhouse environment of "extortion, violence and tedium," more than two dozen of the state's county jails have created separate units devoted to full-time addiction treatment and support-services for prisoners that involve peer-policing.

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Colo County Offers Housing Comparison

Chris Rourke

June 15, 2017 |

Gunnison Country Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Breckenridge, Colorado

As second-home owners increase property values and decrease the supply of residences in Gunnison County, its year-round community faces a dwindling affordable housing stock. Nearby, a popular tourist town of Breckenridge in neighboring Summit County has been able to deliver a measurable increase in affordable homes. The Gunnison County Housing Authority is following Summit's goal-oriented, community-driven solution, and turning to residents to form a community plan and vision.

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New Philly mural features work by formerly incarcerated artists

Dominique “Peak” Johnson

June 02, 2017 |

Billy Penn |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The mural at Eighth and Callowhill in Philadelphia was created by two formerly incarcerated artists. The work is part of a larger exhibition that brings attention to U.S. criminal justice reform through the artwork of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.

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