Phoenix hosting resource fair for recently incarcerated people. Here's what to know
A resource fair is coming to Phoenix aimed at helping anyone who walks through the door, but the main objective, according to organizers, is to help recently incarcerated people reintegrate by securing employment and a place to live.
More than 40 Valley employers, 27 community service providers and 10 housing resource providers will offer support and conduct on-site interviews on Oct. 5 in central Phoenix. The event is organized jointly by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“We want those people who leave prison to leave their mistakes in the past and, from now on, have the necessary tools to move forward,” José Durazo, probation officer for the Department of Corrections, told The Arizona Republic.
The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will offer reintegration support to people who have been released after serving a probation period. Additionally, the fair is open to anyone else under probation and the general public seeking employment or resources.
Durazo said the event started a year ago and the idea is to hold it every four or five months.
“In the last event we organized, we brought in around 500 people. It was a success, and we hope that this Thursday more will attend and benefit from these resources,” Durazo said.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and other local officials were scheduled to attend the event as well.
What do attendees need to bring?
Durazo explained that interested people just have to show up.
Staff from the Arizona Department of Economic Security will be there to help attendees develop their resumes and prepare them for same-day job interviews.
Housing specialists will be present, sharing information on housing programs intended to help recently incarcerated individuals get back on their feet while they secure a job.
“One knows very well that here in Arizona the price of housing is rising too much, and it is not fair that a person who is leaving the prison system and who wants to start a new life does not have a place to live. That's what these resources are for,” Durazo said.
Free haircuts and meals also will be offered and professional photos will be taken.
“The only requirement is that they be over 18 years old, but other than that, people don't have to prepare. Just arrive and have the desire to get a job and get ahead,” Durazo said.
Televerde, Amazon and Camelback Moving will be among the major employers and service providers at the event.
Details: Thursday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free and open to the entire community.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix hosting housing, job fair for recently incarcerated people
