Reimagining Reentry: How Unite Us Helps People Succeed After Incarceration
Exploring the role of technology solutions in reducing recidivism, cutting costs, and driving better outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
Every year, more than 600,000 Americans leave incarceration and return to their communities. Yet reentry is often an uphill battle—with barriers to housing, employment, and services—and as many as 67% of these individuals will be reincarcerated within three years. This cycle not only costs states over $8 billion annually, but also represents countless missed opportunities to support lasting change for individuals trying to move forward.
Statistics further underscore the urgency of reentry success:
- 67% of formerly incarcerated individuals are arrested for a new crime within three years.
- Formerly incarcerated people are nearly 10 times more likely to be unhoused than the general public.
- 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals are jobless shortly after release, with 33% finding no employment at all over four years and no more than 40% being employed at any given time.
Effectively addressing these challenges requires two foundational elements:
- An accountable network of community partners coordinating care across sectors.
- A technology solution designed to help connect people leaving incarceration with the programs they’re eligible for—and support them throughout the process of accessing the services they need.
At Unite Us, we’re proud to serve as the technology infrastructure for CBOs and local governments across the country, helping to break down some of the most common barriers to reentry success.
Common Barriers to Reentry Success
There’s no silver bullet for a multifaceted challenge like reentry. The reality is that many people leaving incarceration struggle to find stable housing, secure employment, and access essential healthcare services. These obstacles can quickly lead to a cycle of recidivism, or reincarceration, where individuals find themselves back in the correctional system.
The Current Reentry Approach and Its Shortcomings
A major challenge in the reentry process is helping individuals connect with the right community support services at the right time. For correctional staff with limited time and resources, especially amid staffing shortages, it can be difficult to offer personalized assistance. As a result, individuals are often handed a list of resources without additional support. This approach is insufficient for several reasons:
- Eligibility Issues: Many community programs have strict eligibility criteria, making it difficult for people with certain types of criminal records to qualify.
- Delays in Service: The first 24 hours after release are critical for stabilization. During this period, individuals need immediate connections to the right resources to help them stay on a productive, independent path. Without timely support, the risk of reincarceration significantly increases. In some counties, people are released from incarceration at midnight—when most community organizations are closed. That makes it even more critical to connect people with the right services before they’re released.
Form a Better Reentry Plan and Reduce Recidivism with Unite Us
Unite Us offers a technology-driven solution that helps address the shortcomings of the current reentry process. Here’s how it works:
- Technology Platform: Unite Us provides an easy-to-use technology platform that streamlines the reentry process. Correctional staff can quickly and efficiently connect individuals with the appropriate resources.
- Smart Workflows: The platform’s smart workflows enable staff to assist more people in less time, so that individuals receive the personalized support they need.
- Accountable Network: Unite Us has built an accountable network of community organizations that help individuals enroll in programs they are actually eligible for, reducing the risk of delays in service delivery.
With Unite Us, state and local governments can drive stronger reentry success by:
- Accelerating Service Delivery: People receive the services they need more quickly, which is critical for their immediate stabilization.
- Reducing Recidivism: By providing timely and appropriate support, Unite Us helps individuals get back on their feet and stay there, which can reduce the likelihood of reincarceration.
- Driving Systemic Change: Equipping individuals with the right support during reentry doesn’t just improve outcomes for them—it strengthens the entire system and allows reinvestment in proven programs.
Supporting Sustainable and Scalable Reentry Programs
The benefits of Unite Us extend beyond the individuals it serves:
- Community Safety: Reducing recidivism means lower crime rates in communities, making them safer for everyone.
- Cost Savings: Avoiding future incarceration costs can save states a significant amount of money, which can be redirected to other essential services.
Reentry not only impacts the individuals leaving incarceration but also the communities they return to. By addressing the immediate and long-term needs of those reentering society after incarceration, we can break the cycle of recidivism and create safer, more efficient communities.
