An article authored by a federal prisoner residing at the James River Federal Halfway House in Virginia presents his insights and perspectives.
If you're unaware, a halfway house, also known as a Residential Re-entry Center (RRC), is a place where individuals can go after being released from prison. Some people bypass it and return home or end up on the streets, but that's not an option for everyone. Theoretically, the RRC provides a glimpse of freedom, even though you aren't entirely free. You have the opportunity to search for a job, legally obtain a cell phone, purchase street clothes and comfortable shoes, do your own laundry, and have real restaurant food delivered. However, you'll be constantly reminded that you're not free. You'll still be counted several times a day to ensure you haven't absconded. You'll have chores like cleaning the bathroom and taking out the trash. You might get a disciplinary write-up (ask me how I know). You could also face personality conflicts with other residents (you're no longer referred to as an "inmate") or with the staff. Think of the RRC as a Diet Prison.
Strict Regulations and Challenges at James River RRC
The reality at the RRC is different. At this specific RRC (James River, in Newport News, VA), owned by Corecivic, the rules are strict. [Full disclosure: I haven't been to another RRC, so I can't compare. Other residents say this place is strict, and those who have been to other RRCs agree.] The staff here is similar to prison staff: they are right, and you are wrong. You won't win the argument. They hold the power. If you have contraband (however it's defined this week), they will confiscate it. You'll undergo frequent urinalysis (4 per month is not unrealistic). Here, you need a pass to go anywhere: job hunting, doctor visits, DMV trips, etc. You have a case manager who can deny your pass, and you are limited to how much time per day you can be out. You're expected to be up by a certain time (7:00 a.m.; enforcement varies), doing chores, making your bed, and job hunting. There are smoke breaks (you can bring cigarettes and/or a vape pen, but you must check it in at the front desk), but smoking inside is prohibited due to smoke detectors.
For some reason, job interviews aren't allowed on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The staff requires you to submit a request "48 working hours" (meaning 2 business days) before your job interview. This can be problematic if an employer says, "Hey, come in tomorrow for an interview." Then you have to explain your situation: that you can't just go, you need permission, etc. If the employer is understanding, they'll accommodate your schedule. Some employers won't bother and will choose someone with fewer issues. Such is life.
Occasionally, you might get lucky. Sometimes an employer will accept a paper job application, interview you, and hire you immediately. Fast food establishments often do this, but if you've been out of work for a while, be aware that most applications are now submitted online through the company's website. It can be quite frustrating, but it's something you need to adapt to. Fellow residents at the RRC can assist you (note that "others" refers to residents, not staff). Doing things on their computers can be difficult, because many websites and cababilities are disabled. Even news media websites and outlets are disabled.
The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.00 per hour, increasing to $12.41 on January 1, 2025. In today's economy, that's not much, but it's better than nothing. In jobs with high turnover rates, you might get promoted more quickly than expected. There are certain places where you're prohibited from working: temp agencies (like Labor Ready, Manpower, Kelly), staffing agencies, and similar places; Amazon, Door Dash, Uber/Lyft, Walmart Distribution Center, and Target Distribution Center. Depending on your charges, you might also be restricted from working in places that hire minors (anyone under 18); working at any financial institutions, professional offices (Hospitals, Doctor Offices, Dentist Offices, etc.). These restrictions are imposed by RRC policies, and not by the policies of the companies.
Not everything is bleak at the RRC. Some individuals are transferred to home confinement within a few weeks or months. (Note: you will be placed on GPS [a wristwatch device and cell phone, not an ankle monitor - this is managed by all three entities: Bureau of Prisons, Probation, and RRC] until your release date.) If you are on home confinement you will still need to visit the RRC occasionally for a urinalysis, and if you fail to arrive within 2 hours of being called (which can happen at any time, even during your work shift), you may face consequences. However, it's likely you'll have a car by then. I'd prefer to be in traffic in my own car for an hour than be confined to my cell for an hour during a lockdown. It's all about perspective. You can go to the store and purchase items, or simply browse, pick them up and hold them, try them on to see if they fit, or read the description on the box, instead of having someone drop them down the chute for you to put in your laundry bag once a week. You can have visitors and hug them without a CO watching your spouse. You can see them, have lunch together, listen to the radio, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and sit under the tree together.
So, should you come to the RRC? It depends on your situation. If you haven't done so, start saving your money; you are going to need it, and it goes fast. Kick Little Debbie to the curb, and put down the Pepsi. No one out here takes stamps or macks. It's going to take you a minute to find a job, and once you do, your first paycheck is still 2 weeks away. In the meantime, the RRC is going to feed you and house you; they give you the basics here. The food isn't bad; definitely better than prison. But you might want to eat out. Most fast food combo meals start at $10.00; believe it. If you take OTC meds (ibuprofen, Tylenol, allergy meds), I would stock up on those and bring them with you. Same thing with toothpaste, socks, underwear, and t-shirts; even Walmart can be expensive.
In short, I'd rather be here than in prison. If you stay in your lane, do what you're supposed to do, don't give the staff a hard time, and get along well with others, you are probably going to be okay. Be patient; nothing happens fast around here.
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