The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)

Last week’s field site visit was at the ARC Bromont Supportive Housing program in Sylmar, which is a branch of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) location in Los Angeles. ARC began as a support network to change the lives of formerly incarcerated men and women by providing an advocacy network. In order to accomplish this mission, ARC provides support through mentoring, case management, internship, employment opportunities, regular support network meetings, social outings to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, and advocates for fair policies in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The ARC location in Los Angeles provides membership into the organization where over 160 formerly incarcerated individuals are able to use ARC’s resources. Becoming an ARC member commits them to live crime-free, gang-free, drug-free, in school or working, and providing service to their community. Scott Budnick, the founder and president of ARC goes to juvenile halls and prisons where he speaks to and informs the incarcerated members about ARC. Those who are in connection to him are the ones that become ARC members, eventually they are able to apply for housing and get interviewed.  

I purposely decided to not look up any information about the site prior to my visit. Having no information about the organization or the housing program, I was confused as to why the location I was assigned to go to looked like an apartment complex and not an office. However, once we entered the complex, into the office, I understood that this was a housing program. I had never heard about a supportive housing program. During my experience here, I heard from the program manager, the life skills coaches, the trauma therapist, and some of the housing members. Housing is provided for 24 members, and it is a very selective process because they want to have a positive environment where everyone is willing to change. What is different about this supportive housing program and other transitional facilities is that Bromont focuses on independent living. Transitional facilities are very scheduled and sometimes are not allowed to have visitors whereas Bromont requires their members to have a schedule that will lead to self-sufficiency, are allowed to have visitors, are provided with parking, and gym passes. Since the members must attend school or work, they are expected to pay rent, which is usually 30% of their income or 30% of their financial aid.   

The Bromont Housing program has a partnership with the Los Angeles Mission College. The members are encouraged to go to school whether it is part-time or full-time, and they also offer tutoring programs. What striked me the most about this field site visit was hearing from the Bromont members themselves. One of the members has taken a very proactive role within ARC and works with youth in juvenile halls and prisons to help change their mindsets. Now, he is very proud of being seen as an example of positive change. Another member explained that ARC has helped him become part of society again, and he has learned many life skills that he did not know before such as job readiness, cooking, and building credit.

I was able to take a look at the housing units. They consisted of 2 beds, 2 baths, or 3 beds and 2 baths. The apartments were very spacious with a large living room and kitchen, and a balcony. It was very touching to see how emotional the members got when they would say that sometimes their cells were as big as their walking closets. The Supportive Housing program is a two year contract where members learn all the necessary skills to be well equipped upon departure. ARC is currently working on opening a new Supportive Housing program in Pasadena. Scott Budnick and ARC staff want to expand this program to help stop the flow of men and women into the criminal justice system.