I am curious as to why the DeNier building is not being used? What a perfect opportunity for transitioning inmates who desperately need support to get the help and tools they need to get back on their feet.
This building is equipped with separate sleeping quarters, showers, bathrooms, a large kitchen area, a large dining hall, a large laundry room, a security system, separate business offices, indoor and outdoor exercise areas, a gym and a pool.
When inmates are released, many have nothing. They come out still an addict, still an alcoholic, still mentally unstable, still uneducated, still no transportation, still no appropriate clothing, no employment if they are lucky enough to get a job with a record, no money, no warm safe place to lay their head and no support.
For those who need an identification card, they need their birth certificate. To get a birth certificate you need identification. To meet court dates, probation check-ins, drug testing, you need transportation.
These are some of the reasons why many inmates continue to go in and out of jail. Most of the community support, which is wonderful, is located and spread out throughout Durango, which can be difficult for some to get to, especially in the winter.
It would be helpful to have all of these services for transitioning inmates all in one place. This would encourage so many to get the tools they need to become a healthy, successful, working community member.
Michele Northcutt
Durango
