🌹 ROSES Housing: Creating Stability, Dignity, and Second Chances for Returning Citizens

For people leaving incarceration, finding housing is often the most formidable challenge. Without a stable home, it becomes nearly impossible to secure employment, access treatment, or arrange transportation. ROSES Housing was created to change this reality by providing returning citizens with a safe and supportive place to rebuild their lives.

Co-Founder Summerlee Godbolt dreamed of this initiative for 20 years before it became a reality. Today, Founder Timothy Richardson leads the program, which stands on five pillars: Respect, Opportunity, Stability, Empowerment, and Support. These pillars form the foundation that returning citizens need to move forward.

The Housing Barrier for Returning Citizens

Housing is the first and most critical barrier for people coming out of incarceration. Without a stable place to live, other goals, such as finding a job or accessing healthcare, become nearly impossible. Many returning citizens face rejection from landlords due to their criminal records, leading to homelessness or unstable living conditions.

ROSES Housing addresses this by offering more than just shelter. It provides a safe environment where individuals can focus on healing and rebuilding. The program understands that housing is the foundation for success in every other area of life.

The Five Pillars of ROSES Housing

ROSES stands for Respect, Opportunity, Stability, Empowerment, and Support. Each pillar plays a vital role in helping returning citizens regain control of their lives.

• Respect

Every resident is treated with dignity and kindness, creating a community where people feel valued.

• Opportunity

ROSES connects residents with job training, education, and other resources to help them build a future.

• Stability

Stable housing provides a reliable base from which residents can pursue their goals without fear of losing their home.

• Empowerment

The program encourages residents to take charge of their lives and make positive choices.

• Support

Residents receive ongoing mentorship, counseling, and assistance to navigate challenges.

Together, these pillars create a holistic approach that goes beyond housing to foster long-term success.

How EPIDEMEK Strengthens ROSES Housing

ROSES Housing works closely with EPIDEMEK, an organization that provides community support, mentorship, rights education, and transition planning. EPIDEMEK’s involvement ensures that residents receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their needs.

For example, EPIDEMEK mentors help residents understand their rights and access services like healthcare and legal aid. Transition planning prepares individuals for life after ROSES Housing, helping them maintain stability and avoid returning to incarceration.

This partnership aims to reduce recidivism, restore families, and build stronger communities by supporting returning citizens every step of the way.

Real Impact on Lives and Communities

ROSES Housing has already made a difference for many returning citizens. One resident shared how having a stable home allowed them to complete job training and reconnect with their family. Another credited the program’s support for helping them stay sober and avoid old habits.

By providing a safe place and comprehensive support, ROSES Housing helps break the cycle of incarceration. Residents gain the tools and confidence to build new lives, which benefits their families and communities.

What Returning Citizens Can Expect from ROSES Housing

Residents can expect:

• A safe, clean, and welcoming living environment

• Access to job training and educational programs

• Mentorship and counseling services

• Rights education and legal support

• Transition planning for long-term success

  
  

These services work together to create a strong foundation for lasting change.

How Communities Benefit from ROSES Housing

Communities see positive effects when returning citizens receive support. Stable housing reduces homelessness and crime rates. Families are reunited, strengthening social ties. Residents who find employment contribute to the local economy.

ROSES Housing helps build safer, healthier neighborhoods by supporting individuals who want to turn their lives around.

ROSES Housing shows how stable housing can create dignity and second chances for returning citizens. By focusing on respect, opportunity, stability, empowerment, and support, the program offers more than shelter — it offers a path forward. With the help of EPIDEMEK, ROSES Housing provides the tools and community needed to reduce recidivism and rebuild lives.