If you get out of jail in New Orleans and you don’t have a place to go what do you do?
There’s an organization that stands in the gap called The First 72+. Rev. Tyrone Smith along with his brother and four other formerly incarcerated men founded the First72+. Usually, when folks get out of prison the first 72 hours are critical. You’re either looking for a job, public assistance or a place to stay. While enrolled into The First 72+ all those resources and more are provided. The formerly incarcerated get a new start.
On Sept. 18, 2023, The First 72+ held their grand opening to the new facility – a 3,200-square-foot transitional housing with a total of 8 beds. In addition to the current resources provided, residents can take part in culinary courses and technological literacy programs which will be located on site.
Formerly Incarcerated Get a New Start
“If this place wasn’t in existence, I think the crime rate would be even higher. The first 3 days you come out of prison it can either make or break you. The first day you don’t want to go back, nobody wants to go back to prison. So, you come out looking for a job and can’t find one and the second day you do it again and you’re sleeping under the bridge and maybe even the shelter. So, you were better off in jail then you are out being free.
After three days, you can’t get no work or no help, you’re going back to the familiar because you know how to sell drugs. You know how to rob and steal because that’s what majority of us went to jail for. This is the place where we talk them off the ledge. We tell them to give themselves a chance, it’s going to be alright”
Reverend Tyrone Smith
The First 72+ has been able to help more than 2000 people on their journey home from incarceration. “So many guys’ lives are changed. Hundreds and hundreds of men get out and never went back,” said Rev. Smith. You see, Rev. Smith himself is formerly incarcerated. He served 9 years total in jail. But he’s been off drugs for almost 35 years. He stated that he “was a career criminal.” Released in 1994, he has never been in any type of trouble since.
Formerly Incarcerated Get a New Start
This new building makes the group stronger and more effective. For years they operated from a much smaller and older building. Since Louisiana remains the mass incarceration capital of the world, Louisiana has the most formerly incarcerated people in the world. And with a smaller jail and shorter sentences for non-violent offenses, the city needs this facility. A properly staffed and fully functional reentry facility makes us all safer.
Related: Past Mass Incarceration Causes Crime Today
The First 72+ is a non-profit. Consider donating!
The mission is to stop the cycle of incarceration by fostering independence and self-sustainability through education, stable and secure housing & employment, health care, and community engagement. Through the leadership and wisdom of formerly incarcerated people themselves, the First 72+ transforms the re-entry experience into one that builds on the strengths and abilities of people returning home from prison and ensures that they, their families, and their communities are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive. The First 72+