The Urban League of Philadelphia is exploring the development of a transitional housing program for returning citizens that not only supports reentry, but also strengthens civic participation, community accountability, and equity. Philadelphia’s high incarceration and recidivism rates—particularly among communities of color—demand culturally competent reentry models that promote dignity, belonging, and democratic engagement. 

This project invites graduate students to examine how housing programs for justice-involved individuals can be intentionally designed and governed to promote civic reintegration, reduce recidivism, and build stronger community ties. It combines public policy research, operational model design, and stakeholder-informed planning to shape a holistic, sustainable approach for the Urban League’s emerging initiative. 

 1.     Review best practices in reentry and transitional housing nationwide, especially those with culturally competent, trauma-informed, and equity-focused frameworks. 

2.     Examine wraparound service models (mental health, legal support, civic education, peer navigation, etc.) and evaluate how they can be integrated into a housing program that emphasizes civic empowerment. 

3.     Analyze Philadelphia’s current reentry landscape, housing access barriers, and relevant city, state, and federal policies impacting formerly incarcerated residents. 

4.     Assess governance models that foster civic accountability, lived-experience leadership, and community input into reentry housing design and operations. 

5.     Develop an operating model for a pilot facility or program including: 

6.     Conduct stakeholder interviews with returning citizens, housing providers, justice advocates, and city officials to ground recommendations in local realities. 

 Success will be measured by the development of a feasible and community-informed operating model and policy roadmap for a civic reentry housing program. Deliverables will be evaluated based on clarity, alignment with best practices, incorporation of stakeholder insights, and relevance to the Urban League’s mission of equity and empowerment. The ideal output includes actionable recommendations for design, implementation, governance, and policy advocacy