CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County just launched a pilot program geared to help support those reentering the community after incarceration. The Supplemental Income Program guarantees an income for selected participants.
60 former jail inmates will get a monthly stipend of $600 for one year. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell praised the program as a possible solution to reduce recidivism.
"It's an investment that we've seen that's needed for this particular population,” he said.
More than 100 formerly incarcerated residents will take part in the program. The half that receives funding can use it for the following:
- Child care
- Health
- Drug abuse treatment
- Education
- General welfare, including housing and utilities.
Jerrell said those dollars are meant to help provide a second chance.
“We want to be able to support I mean, we want to have an inclusive society," he said. "We want to have a society where we can help people on their journey to redemption, their journey to transformation."
Both groups will be tracked with quarterly meetings and check-ins. The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners set aside $500,000 for the Supplemental Income Pilot Program.
It began with a directive from the board in its efforts to address inequity in the community and is the first of three initiatives to roll out from the Mecklenburg County Office of Equity and Inclusion. Jerrell is confident the money used will make a difference.
"We believe that when we make these types of investments, they'll certainly pay dividends in the future," he said. “It's a place where we send the right signal to say that we are happy to provide second chances and opportunities for those that want a hand up, not a handout."
The pilot program is scheduled to last a year. The board will collect data to determine just how effective the funding is.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.