Faith Community Partners

Changing the Way the Church Fights Mass Incarceration

Today, thousands of people in Philadelphia are either incarcerated or recently released. Without meaningful connections in their communities, they suffer from a lack of purpose and dignity. This propels the cycle of recidivism and causes deep emotional and spiritual pain.

The Church has been engaged with prisoners and returning citizens for years, but the focus of our efforts has long been on food, housing, and employment. We fear taking the next step; welcoming returning citizens into our congregations and communities.

The Psalms tell us that the Lord “leads forth the prisoners with singing” and “cuts through bars of iron.” Jesus proclaims “freedom for the captives and release from darkness for prisoners.” The New Testament further instructs us to “remember those in prison.” At Redemption Housing we believe that complete recovery and true redemption can only be found through a relationship with God. Therefore, our programs are rooted in Christian teachings and beliefs.

At Redemption Housing we believe that complete recovery and true redemption can only be found through a relationship with God. Therefore, our programs are rooted in Christian teachings and beliefs.

We also believe that the church is an irreplaceable component in the ongoing recovery of our residents and their families. As they are accepted into local church bodies, our residents are able to begin the process of redemption. God is able to heal using the formation of these new, healthy relationships. And the church becomes a more complete reflection of Lord’s Kingdom here on Earth as it faithfully lives out its calling to the poor and marginalized.

Inviting our residents into your community will allow everyone involved to become more like Christ.  For more information about how your church can be involved in the ministries of Redemption Housing, or to connect with our residents and welcome them into your congregation, email [email protected].