A House Full of Felonies: The Experiences of Men With Substance Use Disorders Residing in Halfway Houses Post-release

Housing is a critical reentry domain, with research demonstrating the challenges faced in securing stable housing and the impact housing has on recidivism. In Pennsylvania, the focal state of this research, approximately one-third of state prison releasees are placed in halfway houses, unable to procure a parole-approved homeplan. Halfway houses increase reincarceration risk in Pennsylvania, yet research has not adequately examined resident experiences. This research utilizes in-depth interviews of male reentrants with substance use disorders living in halfway houses post-release ( n = 20). Findings demonstrate increased recidivism risk through exposure to illicit substances within the facility. Other themes include barriers to reintegration, bureaucratic frustrations, and heightened surveillance as a source of recidivism risk. Combined, respondent experiences highlight critical areas for reform.