Short term imprisonment for minor infractions or misdemeanors has created a system nationwide that often cycles former inmates between jail, the streets, and then back to jail again. Most of those impacted are men, often single, who are dealing with substance abuse or mental disabilities with little to no support.

George Washington, who has cycled in and out of jail on mostly low-level charges, now lives in the Bronx in housing paid for by the city of New York.

(Celina Fang/The Marshall Project/The Takeaway)

Looking for alternatives, cities across the country are discovering that one possible solution is to provide housing. Last month in New York City, an initiative called Justice Involved Supportive Housing program provided nearly 100 people permanent housing to save costs and cut overcrowding.

The Marshall Project, in collaboration with The Takeaway, met up with one of the recipients and spoke with  the mayor's office about the reasoning behind the program, and the potential for stability for this growing population. Weighing in is Christie Thompson, who wrote the article for The Marshall Project.