ASF Men To Freedom

Affordable housing and homelessness

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

South Los Angeles faces significant challenges, including high rates of unemployment, poverty, and crime, as well as limited access to quality education and healthcare. These issues are exacerbated by systemic inequities and a high rate of incarceration, leading to a cycle of recidivism that undermines community stability. A comprehensive re-entry program is critical in this context as it provides formerly incarcerated men with the tools and support they need to reintegrate successfully, break the cycle of reoffending, and contribute positively to their communities. By addressing employment, mental health, substance use recovery, and housing needs, such a program can foster long-term personal and community resilience.

For 30 years, A Step to Freedom (ASF) has provided unhoused and justice-impacted individuals with a safe place to lay their heads and resources to “Take the first step to building a new future.” Our four ASF housing facilities are strategically located in South Los Angeles, where there are disproportionately higher rates of arrests, incarceration, incidents with law enforcement, drug use and addiction, domestic violence, and unaddressed mental health issues. ASF Case Managers utilize a client-centered approach to ensure participants have a voice and role in identifying their goals and plans. ASF’s Life Skills Management Program helps clients develop and hone social and emotional skills to cope with stress, anger, fear, and uncertainty. The Self-Efficacy Program uses an evidence/asset-based approach that is proven to reduce substance use/abuse, aggression, and violence. ASF participants receive trauma-informed counseling designed to identify, neutralize, destigmatize, and eradicate/heal the trauma. Our Workforce Development Program helps participants build a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, resources, and confidence to be competitive in the job market and obtain and maintain living wage jobs, an essential element to transition into permanent housing successfully. ASF works with partners in mental health, substance abuse, continuing education, and employment to connect clients to the specific programs and services that will best support their path to self-sufficiency.

When our program is expanded with full-time staff, Los Angeles County will see a marked reduction in recidivism rates, contributing to safer and more stable neighborhoods. Formerly incarcerated men will be gainfully employed, housed, and mentally healthy, strengthening families and more resilient community fabric. This transformation will result in economic growth, reduced strain on the criminal justice system, and a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

We measure the impact of our comprehensive re-entry program through key metrics such as recidivism rates, employment rates, housing stability, and mental health improvements among participants. We track these metrics through regular follow-ups, surveys, and collaboration with local agencies. Evidence of our program's success includes significantly reducing participant recidivism, high job placement rates, and positive feedback from participants and community partners. Additionally, many participants report improved mental health and greater life stability, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in addressing the root causes of recidivism and fostering long-term positive outcomes.