ANCHORAGE REENTRY COALITION QUARTERLY MEETING
Thu, May 29, 2025

Summary:

The Anchorage Reentry Coalition discussed various challenges and current resources related to reentry services, homelessness, and criminal justice reform in Anchorage, including a special presentation that emphasized the importance of concrete data to assess the effectiveness of CJ-priorities and impact. 
 

Recent initiatives were shared, including a successful reentry simulation event organized by the coalition, which aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by re-entrants. Coordinator Shadura also discussed the coalition's advocacy efforts for justice-involved individuals, including support for legislative measures related to parole board expansion and access to digital resources for inmates. Measures for Justice Presentation introduced the "Let's Be Clear" initiative, which aims to enhance data transparency and community engagement in discussions about the criminal justice system, alongside the launch of the "Commons" dashboard for easier access to local criminal justice data.

The meeting addressed community policy goals, particularly the importance of maintaining pretrial diversions and the need for data literacy training to empower communities. The coalition expressed support for a community screening of a documentary to foster dialogue around these issues, with Coordinator planning to explore logistics for this initiative.

Updates on housing funding opportunities were provided, including Partners For Progress and the end of the AHFC homeless stability program and new DIG funding for recently released individuals. Laura Cox (on behalf of Neighborworks AK) discussed the Emergency Rental Assistance program's current capacity and the importance of connecting individuals facing eviction with resources.  Other updates included the conclusion of the AmeriCorps program at the Public Defender Agency, the establishment of a possible resource hub by the Department of Corrections at Anchorage Probation Offices, and the referral process and continued operation of therapeutic courts for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. The meeting concluded with a call for further updates and ideas from participants, emphasizing collaboration and resource sharing among coalition members.


Chapters & Topics:

Budget Challenges and Recidivism Insights
Christina Shadura highlighted the coalition's budget reduction and the difficulties in asking others to shoulder the financial burden. Amanda Hillberry noted the decline in Alaska's recidivism rate and expressed concern about the closure of programs that may have contributed to this change. Both speakers acknowledged the importance of data in understanding the effectiveness of re-entry initiatives.
* Discussion on recidivism rates and the effectiveness of re-entry programs.

Updates from the Anchorage Reentry Coalition
Christina Shadura shared recent initiatives of the Anchorage Reentry Coalition, including a reentry simulation event that drew significant participation and highlighted the challenges faced by re-entrants. She also discussed the coalition's involvement in addressing homelessness and legislative advocacy for justice-involved individuals, including support for bills related to parole board expansion and access to digital resources for inmates.
* Community engagement strategies and upcoming events related to re-entry initiatives.
* Budget constraints and their impact on coalition initiatives.
* Upcoming community events and meetings related to reentry and public assistance resources.

Data Transparency and Community Engagement in Criminal Justice
The need for communities to engage with their criminal justice institutions about data transparency was emphasized. The "Let's Be Clear" initiative offers a documentary and accompanying resources to help start these critical conversations. By fostering dialogue, the initiative aims to ensure that criminal justice systems are accountable and equitable for all community members.

Data Insights and Community Engagement in Criminal Justice
A policy goal aimed at maintaining pretrial diversions was presented, emphasizing the ability to track performance and analyze data by various demographics. Christina Shadura acknowledged the database's effectiveness and its potential applications for funding opportunities. The importance of data literacy training to help communities understand and utilize the data effectively was also highlighted by a conference room participant.

Updates on Criminal Justice Initiatives and Community Engagement
Vernetta Perkins highlighted the challenges facing Selma's criminal justice system, particularly the lack of organized data, which hampers efforts for reform. She called for leadership and accountability to address these issues and envision a thriving community. Christina Shadura engaged the coalition in a discussion about hosting a community screening of a documentary to foster dialogue on these topics, receiving strong support for the initiative.

Housing Funding Opportunities and Programs Update
Christina Shadura led a discussion on housing funding opportunities, starting with Joshua Adams explaining the imminent conclusion of the AHFC homeless stability program and the availability of DIG funding for eligible individuals. Laura Cox then addressed the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, noting that while they are currently at capacity for applications, individuals are encouraged to apply and get on the waitlist. She emphasized the importance of not duplicating applications across agencies to streamline assistance.
* Updates on housing funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.

Community Resource Updates and Introductions
Christina Shadura highlighted community misconceptions about library services and introduced David Kreiss-Tomkins, the new Community Resource Librarian. David explained that the Anchorage Public Library is transitioning to a model that emphasizes library and information services, with a focus on community engagement and resource distribution. He also mentioned the ongoing hiring process for staff with library and social work experience.

Program and Policy Updates from Coalition Members
Amanda Hillberry reported that the Public Defender Agency's AmeriCorps program has ended due to funding cuts, but they will continue to provide holistic defense services through existing staff. Jonathan Pistotnik from the Department of Corrections discussed their transition to a new office space and the aim to create a resource hub for community information, while also mentioning the passage of HB 35, which could enhance digital technology options in DOC facilities.
* Updates on the new DOC office location and its intended use as a community resource hub.
* Transition of the AmeriCorps program and its impact on holistic defense services.

Overview of Therapeutic Courts and Resources
Kate Sumey discussed the various therapeutic courts available in Anchorage, including mental health, veterans, and addiction courts. She noted that individuals with open criminal cases should consult their attorneys to determine if they qualify for these programs. Kate also mentioned that the application processes vary by court, with the mental health court aiming to simplify access for eligible individuals.
* Information on therapeutic courts and their eligibility criteria for clients.

Program Updates and Introductions
Emily Robinson shared updates regarding the emergency cold weather shelter system, highlighting the extension of 200 non-congregate beds in hotel rooms until June 30th. This extension aims to provide continuity of care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, she announced the commencement of abatement work at Davis Park, focusing on prioritizing campers in the area.

Food Assistance Resources and Application Processes
Carrie Huck provided an overview of the Food Bank of Alaska's services, including support for food stamp applications and case management. She highlighted the organization's partnership with the Division of Public Assistance and Alaska Legal Services to assist clients in navigating the application process. Christina Shadura inquired about the application process for incarcerated individuals, leading to a discussion on the potential for pre-release applications and the need for policy clarification.
* The role of the Food Bank of Alaska in assisting with food stamp applications and case tracking.

Updates and Upcoming Events
Christina Shadura highlighted a monthly Zoom forum meeting organized by Carrie Huck for providers and caseworkers to stay updated. Autumn Vea, who recently returned to DBH, shared her extensive experience and her new responsibilities related to reentry and recidivism. Shadura also mentioned upcoming events, including an ACLU prison project and strategic planning sessions by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.


Action Items:

* Christina Shadura will coordinate a screening of the "Let's Be Clear" documentary and facilitate a community discussion around it.
* Joshua Adams will review all submitted requests for the DIG funding and approve them based on remaining funds.
* Christina Shadura will send out the documents and forms related to the housing funding opportunities discussed in the meeting.
* Amanda Hillberry will transition the holistic defense efforts to existing staffing over the next few months.
* Jonathan Pistotnik will collect information, flyers, and handouts to fill the lobby space at the new office location.
* Carrie Huck will check with the policy team regarding the possibility of submitting and processing food stamp applications pre-release.


Key Questions:

* How can the coalition better track the impact of re-entry initiatives on recidivism rates?
* What specific resources will be available in the new lobby space at the DOC office?
* What are the specific eligibility requirements for the housing funding programs mentioned in the meeting?
* How will the transition of holistic defense efforts impact current clients?
* Is there anyone who is not eligible for holistic defense services based on their charge?


Notepad:

* No notes