New center helps inmates transition back into society

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County has outlined a broad new plan to tackle homelessness. Part of that plan will help prisoners transition from jail back into society when they’re released.

Salt Lake County leaders convened outside the County Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon to announce a comprehensive plan, developed over the course of a year, aimed at combating homelessness. Sheriff Rosie Rivera announced a proposed Justice and Accountability Center, which will provide an additional 100 beds on jail grounds to support convicts prior to their release.

“That will help with the revolving door of they get released from jail, they don’t have any housing, they don’t have any resources,” Rivera said.

Down the street they hope to also add 300 additional beds offsite. That is set to provide a space filled with tools they need to succeed. Riviera said the goal is to make sure they don’t come back.

“We know that we don’t have enough room right now. We’ve actually had to clear out another pod just to add more mental health beds,” Rivera said.

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