Jim Tharpe is a one-man rehabilitation center. He is helping all of us in Seattle in a number of ways. Most of his work is done through Unity House, a transitional housing program where ex-offenders empower themselves through self-improvement programs. The men who live in Unity House are responsible for their share of maintenance, general upkeep, food preparation and house governance.
Tharpe founded Unity House in 2004 because he was acutely aware that many ex-offenders have nowhere to go once they are released. If a person is homeless and jobless, they are at a disadvantage, to say the least. If they have no education and few or no skills, their situation is worse. Since these people did not get, or accept, the help they needed prior to entering the prison system, perhaps with a bit of help now they will avoid a return to prison. Upon their release, they need immediate help. Unfortunately, the state does not always provide this help as quickly as it is needed.
In 1980 there were just over 300,000 people in state and federal prisons; in 2003 there were nearly 1.4 million - including those incarcerated in local jails and other types of confinement. If this rate continues, nearly one in every 15 people born in 2001 will be imprisoned during his or her lifetime.
The recidivism rate belies rehabilitation. Whatever is being done is not working very well for far too many of those affected.
Here's where Tharpe steps in with Unity House. This program arose from a personal experience he had with the law. Wrongly accused of a crime, Tharpe spent three years of his life to prove his innocence. Liberated from the accusation, Tharpe spent 13 years dealing with public records that continued to show he was a felon. During this time he learned what a "released" person endures. Tharpe had difficulty getting a job or getting credit, as well as other inconveniences.
By the time the crime was actually expunged from his record, Tharpe knew what he wanted to do: help people released from prison. Such a person needs assistance in many areas.
First, a person needs basic housing. Once an individual is no longer preoccupied with finding and keeping shelter, they can begin job hunting, if they have marketable skills. After much careful thought Tharpe was convinced he could help people stay out of prison once they had paid their dues to society. He decided to provide what these men need at a most vulnerable point in their lives.
With a place to live and a job, men significantly reduce their chances of returning to the prison system. Having the opportunity to get an education is another plus for Unity House occupants. As Tharpe guides the men through this process they learn to maneuver in the real world. They are in control in a way they never were while incarcerated.
Tharpe reasons that if these men cannot live civilly with the others in their Unity House environment (five are placed together), there is a chance they will not be successful dealing with the neighborhood or community. Self-governance, self-awareness, and self-confidence lead to stability. Some re-connect with family as they become productive citizens.
Indicators suggest that while housing is the most primary need, adequately structured supportive services are the second key component for successful re-entry. These services are urgently needed, and Tharpe is providing as many as he can, but he needs assistance.
Organizations as diverse as Royal Esquire Club, Seattle Vocational Institute, and Mount Zion Baptist Church have heeded Jim's call. If you can help by providing training, jobs, or funds, please contact Jim Tharpe at 551-2382.
Georgia McDade may be reached via the address and e-dress listed below.[[In-content Ad]]
