CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are many challenges formerly incarcerated people face as they re-enter society.
Many people who have a criminal record have a hard time getting housing, a job, and reconnecting with their family members.
After more than 30 years behind bars, James Cooper Jr. says it was surreal when he left prison.
“Charlotte grew so much, I have to learn this whole place all over again,” Cooper said.
The now 83-year-old was locked up for murder.
“I’m going to try to live my life out the best I can,” Cooper said.
Cooper and 10 other men live at Another Chance House of Refuge, a transition home for those getting out of prison.
After being released, many struggle to find housing, which in turn can prevent them from securing a steady job and ultimately staying out of jail.
“Once you go into prison and they let you out and you have no place to live, you go into survival mode and survival mode looks like committing crimes to sustain the basic necessities of life," Shakieta Maloye, the executive director of Another Chance House of Refuge, said.
It's an incident that recently happened.
According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, over the weekend an inmate was released and said they had no where to go. Deputies tried calling phone numbers they provided, but no one picked up. The person left but eventually returned and threw an unknown object that shattered the glass in the magistrate's front lobby door. The individual was then re-arrested for damage to real property.
“That’s sad, unfortunately," Alexander Cedeno said.
Cedeno said it's a relatable situation, and could've been him.
“By the time that I got out, I had lost my job, my apartment," Cedeno said. "I wouldn't have had anywhere to have gone."
After spending four months in jail he's trying to rebuild his life at Another Chance House of Refuge.
“Its either here or the streets, if you haven’t been able to find housing," Cedeno said. "Being able to find a place like this, it grounds you and gives you time and space to get you to where you need to be.”
The home is doing just that, providing another chance at life.
“I feel good every day, I thank the Lord that I’m still kicking,” Cooper said.
At Another Chance House of Refuge, people are able to stay in the house for 18 months max. They do pay to live in the home at a lower cost and they are provided everything like toiletries and food.
Those interested in helping can make a donation by visiting the nonprofit's website.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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