Grants...other help?

[jennmanski]

I understand what you hear in there isn’t necessarily true (just like anywhere else!) My son will be coming home after 8 years. He has asked me to look into federal/state grants and stores that offer gift cards to parolees to help with urgent expenses (clothes, etc). Can’t find much on google that isn’t vague. Anyone have any info?

[sass4221]

Sadly, this is not true. There is nothing like this out there. I think, in some states, they qualify for emergency food stamps but that's it.

[patchouli]

I've never heard of Federal or State grants for parolees, or stores that offer gift cards. Doesn't mean they don't exist, just I've never heard of them.

You may want to try Goodwill, United Way...the Urban League has a couple of offices in Michigan. I believe they all have programs / initiatives that focus on some aspect of re-entry help. Also, see the link below:

https://www.mi211.org/get-help/re-entry

Congratulations on your son's soon Homecoming

[Free At Last 5]

Most of the information circulated in prisons about grants, gifts, etc. for former inmates is not reliable, at best! You’d be better off searching for organizations (temp job agencies, churches, etc.) locally that provide community support. Focus on the basics like getting a driver’s license/ID, housing if needed, and job search resources. After 8 years in prison, just be patient that re-integration will be a process that plays out over time. There are no “magic bullets” , just steady work to put the pieces in place to make a successful transition possible. Best of luck!

[sidewalker]

totally agree with FreeAtLast5
There is alot of false info that circulates in prisons.

Agree with getting drivers license or ID card a top priority. He will likely have some sort of classes he's required to attend/participate in as well. (tho who knows what those are with covid now)

Take it slow, and he just needs to follow whatever his conditions are that parole gives him.
oh, and congrats to your son!

[enigmaingr]

Originally Posted by jennmanski

I understand what you hear in there isn’t necessarily true (just like anywhere else!) My son will be coming home after 8 years. He has asked me to look into federal/state grants and stores that offer gift cards to parolees to help with urgent expenses (clothes, etc). Can’t find much on google that isn’t vague. Anyone have any info?

This is not true at all. Any help available is mostly non-profit, and depends greatly on location; in general, you might find more community resources in larger urban areas, but not always. Someone else mentioned 211, which is a great place to start your search.

[fbopnomore]

Some local welfare departments do offer Medicaid medical coverage, housing assistance and food stamps to recently released prisoners. They can also be information sources for which local charities may also be helpful. Example: in Seattle WA, some non native-American people in my federal half way house were able to obtain doctor's appointments and some prescription help at the US Indian Health Services facilities.

[Buttercream]

Originally Posted by jennmanski

I understand what you hear in there isn’t necessarily true (just like anywhere else!) My son will be coming home after 8 years. He has asked me to look into federal/state grants and stores that offer gift cards to parolees to help with urgent expenses (clothes, etc). Can’t find much on google that isn’t vague. Anyone have any info?

Son should be able to receive medicaid and food stamps - go thru I believe HHS
Also, if he has computer privileges can go thru MI works to see what is avail for jobs. Depending on location, some factories will hire felons. Rough road, but
tell him to hang in there.

[ChloeMoe]

Originally Posted by jennmanski

I understand what you hear in there isn’t necessarily true (just like anywhere else!) My son will be coming home after 8 years. He has asked me to look into federal/state grants and stores that offer gift cards to parolees to help with urgent expenses (clothes, etc). Can’t find much on google that isn’t vague. Anyone have any info?

It really depends on the county he paroles to. Oakland County in the Pontiac area does have some programs to help with clothing and a Walmart gift card. They even have volunteers to drive you. I found out about this through a group counseling I was mandated to attend. Also, the parole office has brochures and info about various forms of help. Even the parole officer is supposed to help point you in the right direction, but will claim to be too busy. Someone else mentioned the HHS website - definitely go the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for Medicaid as soon as possible. Get medical check ups the first 30 days.

[ChloeMoe]

The Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services website:
www(dot)michigan(dot)gov/mdhhs
(actually type in a period, don't spell out "dot" - it won't allow me to post an address)

Click on "Assistance Programs" and there will be a list of programs available and a short description of who is eligible.

To actually apply for benefits there should be a link on that same Assistance page to "MiBridges." Click on that to apply for Medicaid, food, emergency cash, etc.

[fbopnomore]

Here's the link for the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services website.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/

[jennmanski]

Originally Posted by sass4221

Sadly, this is not true. There is nothing like this out there. I think, in some states, they qualify for emergency food stamps but that's it.

Thank you! That’s what I figured but I told him I would check!

[jennmanski]

Originally Posted by ChloeMoe

It really depends on the county he paroles to. Oakland County in the Pontiac area does have some programs to help with clothing and a Walmart gift card. They even have volunteers to drive you. I found out about this through a group counseling I was mandated to attend. Also, the parole office has brochures and info about various forms of help. Even the parole officer is supposed to help point you in the right direction, but will claim to be too busy. Someone else mentioned the HHS website - definitely go the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for Medicaid as soon as possible. Get medical check ups the first 30 days.

Thank you! We are Macomb county, but I’ll check on this!

[sidewalker]

You might check here too
https://www.michigan.gov/corrections...218---,00.html

[ChloeMoe]

Macomb has 3 or 4 "Community Action" centers. They can point you in the right direction. If they are unable to get you help from the state or the county, they know of nearby non-profits or charities. Try this website:


mca(dot)macombgov(dot)org