Got Help? YES WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Lynne Elena Lyman,
LARRP Cofounder and Seeting Committee Member

Over the past decade we have seen, and indeed we have helped to usher in, a massive network of resources and services for people returning from incarceration and living with criminal records---our beloved reentry community. For those who may be newer to this work and this movement, and for those who got released in this new era, it may be hard to imagine that less than 10 years ago the reentry sector was essentially nonexistent, and there were $0 dedicated reentry dollars or programs available form LA County departments. In the old days, there were a handful of austere funding contracts from CDCR for people on parole, they covered what we then called “3 hots and a cot,” 3 meals a day and a place to sleep. Our reentry community was consistently discriminated against and excluded (legally and administratively) from accessing the broad array of human services they so desperately needed, like medical care, behavioral health, housing, employment support, education, life skills, etc.

What a new era we are in! Today LA County disperses millions of dollars, from their own coffers and state grants, directly to community based reentry service providers, along with the build out of their own reentry services infrastructure through new county departments like the Office of Diversion and Reentry, as well as the new Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department.

Today we have 1-800 numbers, drop in centers, sobering centers, reentry resources centers and an army of community health workers dedicated to connecting those exiting incarceration to services.

LARRP recently launched a new “Get Help” page to help our reentry community quickly find many of these resources and linkages in one place. Not to spoil your imminent browsing too much, here are a few highlights of what you can find at LARRP Get Help:

• Dial “211” to access their database of 50,000+ social and health services
• Dial (833) 522-5263 (833-LAC-JCOD) toll free 7 days a week 6am-11pm to be connected to resources and opportunities for justice involved individuals.
• LA DOORS Community Reentry Center, Drop in to see us at 3965 Vermont Ave or call 323-730-4442 for a phone intake session Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm, other times leave a message.
• California ALL - The CA State Government’s new comprehensive website for opioids or other SUDs lists treatment centers by location and info lines for medical teams serving those in need, www.opioids.ca.gov. 

Did you know that since 2011 LARRP has been building a locally rooted reentry movement in Los Angeles? It is one that is deeply embedded in the community of formerly incarcerated people and the agencies that serve them, and truly unparalleled anywhere else in the country. Click here to download the LARRP Overview and see highlights from the past 13 years, along with our current programs and committees.