We speak with a dynamic leader who not only knows how hard the transition is from prison to community at a community level, he knows it from a personal level. too. After serving 20 years in a Colorado prison for what was deemed a “hate crime,” Howie Close is now a leader in a movement to improve the pathway for men and women as they exit prison and return to our communities.

Howie leads the Woodmen Valley Chapel Prison Ministry https://woodmenvalley.org/prison.

This is a dynamic team of over 160 volunteers who work inside and outside of prisons around the state of Colorado. It is part of a statewide and national movement. Not only does it bring spiritual support to inmates, but it also assists in building life skills, setting up employment success and locating housing when these folks return to our cities and towns across the state.

More information about how organizations can become involved with the Colorado Dept. of Corrections: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/about/community-engagement

Homeward Pikes Peak provides re-entry housing for men and women who have had a history of substance abuse and are at risk of becoming homeless. Learn more at https://www.homewardpp.org

Homeward Pikes Peak brings you a Place for Everyone with interviews on different dimensions of substance abuse, homelessness, and housing.