H.O.P.E. was started by Antoin while he was a participant in the Public Safety Compact which was an evidenced-based re-entry program designed to provide effective treatment, case management and supportive services to formerly incarcerated people with substance use disorder.

Former Governor Hogan cut the funding for the Public Safety Compact in 2015, and Antoin knew that in order to stay out of prison, he and his peers needed to keep a space for community support. H.O.P.E. grew as Antoin and his crew built the space to support others returning to Baltimore from incarceration.

While incarcerated, individuals suffer from trauma, isolation, rejection, as well as mental health and substance use disorders.  When they return to their families and communities, they often have difficulty successfully reintegrating. They need resources and support.

This is why H.O.P.E.’s main focus is to sustain support for those released by connecting them with services that lead to pathways of change. Our community creates H.O.P.E. and possibilities. Since 2016, we have worked deeply & consistently with more than 100 returning citizens.