For some Shelby County residents leaving prison, the journey toward a second chance will now begin at a single-story home on Mississippi Boulevard. County leaders and community advocates officially opened Redemption House, the first transitional home operated by Shelby County Government for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Preparation for the project began a year ago, and the first residents moved in August 4, 2025.
The home can accommodate up to three men at a time, with each resident agreeing to a stay of at least 90 days and no more than 120 days. During that time, an outreach coordinator works closely with them to help secure permanent housing by connecting them with community partners who serve justice-involved individuals.
“This is the first time in Shelby County’s history that we’ve opened a transitional house,” said Mayor Lee Harris. “It’s not just a home, it’s an investment in public safety, in rehabilitation and in the future of our community.”
Residents are referred through the Shelby County Division of Corrections’ therapeutic community dormitory, where they must enroll in both hard skills and soft skills training and meet predetermined community standards. Interested individuals may request acceptance into the program and undergo an assessment. If they meet the criteria and space is available, they are admitted.
While living at Redemption House, residents are required to deposit 25% of their earnings into a savings account, which they can later use to secure permanent housing.
The house’s name was inspired by civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr., who, during a 2022 visit to the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry, called it “a house of redemption” after learning about its mission to reduce recidivism.
Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, who supported the project, stressed the importance of collaboration. “No single entity can reduce recidivism alone,” he said. “This is a team effort, and I’m proud the Board of Commissioners was part of it.”
Housing instability is a well-documented barrier to successful reintegration. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that individuals who experience homelessness or frequent moves after release from prison are more likely to reoffend.
Anthony Alexander, director of the Shelby County Division of Corrections, called the project a “significant investment in second chances,” noting the structured support residents will receive to help them succeed.
The Shelby County Division of Public Works oversaw construction of the home. Director Cliff Norville said the project was about “creating a safe, supportive space that benefits the entire community.”
DeAndre Brown, director of the Office of Re-Entry, said the home represents the next step in a comprehensive re-entry strategy. “With stable, affordable housing, we can open more pathways to opportunity and break the cycle of incarceration,” Brown said.
Although there are no immediate plans to expand to additional homes, officials say the ultimate goal is to remove one of the largest barriers to successful reentry.
“If we can provide stable housing to recently released individuals who have done the work to change the course of their lives,” Brown said. “We can create a safer Shelby County and develop a stronger community.”
Supporters believe Redemption House can be a turning point — transforming the lives of those reentering society while strengthening the entire community through safer streets, reduced recidivism and renewed hope.
