You’re right where you belong

Frequently Asked Questions

Communities of Belonging’s mission is to build connected communities through restorative homes, community conversations and holistic reentry support that integrate marginalized populations as a vital part of the whole.
Our organization was created to provide welcoming, practical and supportive solutions to individuals emerging from incarceration and homelessness who experience barriers elsewhere.
We believe in creating safe spaces for individuals and communities to connect, learn, and create positive futures together. Our vision is a world where everyone belongs.
Communities of Belonging provides clean and sober housing in our Restorative Home with a warm, welcoming environment for 7 individuals at a time.
We host weekly community circles for formerly incarcerated and homeless individuals and community allies on Tuesday evenings.
We are developing programmatic curriculum and workshops using a mix of restorative modalities, practical skills, and experiential learning.
We host community conversations and events in different neighborhoods for our members to share personal stories, educate the public, and break down stigma around the complex issues of incarceration and homelessness.
The United States has the largest prison population in the world and the highest per-capita incarceration rate. One out of every 5 people imprisoned across the world is incarcerated in the United States.
Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at nearly 5 times the rate of white Americans. Nationally, one in 81 Black adults in the U.S. is serving time in state prisons.
Making things more complicated, the U.S. doesn’t have one “criminal justice system;” instead, we have thousands of federal, state, local, and tribal systems. Together, these systems hold almost 2 million people.
At least 95% of all those incarcerated will be released from prison at some point.
Helping to connect individuals with their basic needs, dignified pathways forward, and a sense of kindness and community acceptance keeps people off the streets and away from addiction and reincarceration, making a safer world for everyone.
Communities of Belonging boasts a 95%+ success rate of keeping people away from re-incarceration.
Nationally, 76% of those who are released are re-incarcerated within 5 years. Washington State’s recidivism rate is 32%. Conversely, Communities of Belonging’s recidivism rate is 2.4%.
We attribute that success to our high-touch blend of kindness and accountability, our commitment to mindfulness and restorative practices, and community support.
At an average annual cost of more than $63,626 per year, per inmate, at a Washington State institution, Communities of Belonging’s success rate saves taxpayers roughly $400,000 annually. With 6.5 years of permanent, supportive housing, that’s nearly $2.4 Million dollars to date.
We support individuals emerging from incarceration and homelessness. While members do need to commit to following house and community agreements, we do not have any specific barriers due to criminal history.
While our Restorative Home is currently geared toward men only, we welcome female and transgender individuals in our weekly community circles and at all events, and hope to have increased housing opportunities in the future.
We have an interview process that typically includes our house manager and Communities of Belonging leadership to determine a good fit and willingness to comply with house agreements. If logistically feasible, a house tour may be possible.
Our house agreements require house members to be clean and sober, committed to a collaborative, positive path forward, and have an ability to pay monthly program fees. We look for individuals who are interested in active engagement with a warm, supportive community, learning and practicing restorative models.
We require those in our program to be sincere about their own accountability and positive momentum forward.
Our Restorative Home opened in 2018, we were incorporated as a Washington State non-profit in 2019 and a federal 501c3 public charity in 2021.
Communities of Belonging has provided 8 years of permanent, supportive housing and has hosted more than 400 weekly community circles.
Communities of Belonging is a secular organization that was founded using restorative modalities like the Circle Way and Non-Violent Communication. We do not have any barriers due to criminal history.
Communities of Belonging believes in honoring and supporting the needs of each individual and helping to connect them with tailored resources. We provide a supportive community to help encourage and create a positive path forward.
Members tell us they appreciate that there is no required religious dogma, our Restorative Home has no more than 2 people per bedroom, and that there is a genuine sense of care.
Yes! Communities of Belonging is currently set up through Benevity and can benefit from corporate matches. This is often the most impactful way to leverage your personal donations. Please inquire with your employer!
Donate or become a monthly donor!
Communities of Belonging is a federal 501c3 charity through the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible.
Becoming a monthly donor is the very best way to support Communities of Belonging since it helps us stabilize cash flow and be strategic with our decision-making. No amount is too small to have a positive impact!
DONATE
Like many small, community-based nonprofits, we need funding, corporate sponsorships, grant opportunities, connections to community partners, new housing prospects, volunteers, board members and encouragement.
Remember Communities of Belonging in your estate planning. Naming Communities of Belonging as a beneficiary in your will can help guarantee that our work will continue for years to come. Our Executive Director would love to talk with you about this.
Join our community!
Participate in a weekly circle, community conversation or workshop! There are tons of opportunities to join, learn, and grow!
Inquire about board membership! We have several roles available at the moment and are actively seeking a wide range of skills and lived experience.
If you have creative ideas for involvement and support, we would love to talk with you!
Communities of Belonging needs YOU!
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