An unusual US housing project matches people leaving prison with homeowners willing to rent them spare rooms; it has helped more than 180 people find stable housing

Housing for people leaving prison is the aim of the Homecoming Project, a California scheme that matches formerly incarcerated people with homeowners willing to rent out a spare room. The model borrows from the sharing economy: hosts receive a monthly stipend, which puts extra income into communities that need it, while returnees gain a safe, welcoming place to begin rebuilding their lives. More than 180 people have secured stable housing through the scheme. Many hosts and participants have formed lasting friendships that continue long after the arrangement ends, and the project aims to change how communities welcome people back home.Why finding a safe place to live is the hardest first step for people leaving prisonImpact Justice, the organisation behind the project, argues that people leaving prison need somewhere safe and stable to live before they can look for work, tackle health problems or learn new skills. Many have no home to return to. They also face a housing market where affordable places are scarce and may be closed to anyone with a criminal record. The organisation says this sets returning citizens up to fail at the very moment they need a warm welcome.How careful screening, matching and clear agreements pair each returnee with the right hostApplicants go through a screening and matching process designed to place each participant with an eligible host. The team also helps both sides agree on clear terms from the start, so that living together stays comfortable and rewarding for everyone involved.Participants receive ongoing support, including case management and training in effective communication, problem-solving and decision-making. They also get a monthly gift card for necessities. Hosts are supported too, with vetted housemates, training opportunities and regular coaching.Where the Homecoming Project now operates across California and how homeowners can open their doorsImpact Justice says participants live in Alameda, Contra Costa and Los Angeles counties, and the project has recently expanded to San Francisco. Homeowners in any of those four counties who have a room to rent can apply to become hosts. People who know a suitable host can refer them through the referral bonus programme, and anyone who knows someone returning from prison and in need of housing can tell them about the project.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.