Congressman Cohen Announces $999,101 “Smart Reentry” Grant to Shelby County

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced that Shelby County's Office of Re-Entry will receive a grant of $999,101 from the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide safe, affordable housing and comprehensive services to individuals upon their release from prison. The program is intended to reduce recidivism rates in Memphis and Shelby County by mitigating barriers to housing and employment.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Easing the transition for those previously incarcerated is a proven means to reduce criminality and recidivism. Funding re-entry programs addresses real needs that often go unnoticed or ignored. They lead to better life outcomes for those enrolled in them and lower crime rates for local communities. I am pleased to see the Justice Department investing in this critical, often missing element of true criminal justice reform, and will continue to work toward increased and sustained funding for re-entry programs."

The Justice Department grant follows an investment of $500,000 that Congressman Cohen secured in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations bill for Lifeline to Success Inc.'s reentry program group house in Frayser.

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