As Shelby County makes strides toward social rehabilitation, Mayor Lee Harris alongside Commissioner Mickell Lowery and community advocates, will officially dedicate the county's inaugural transitional house. Located at 1348 Mississippi Blvd., Memphis, TN, right next to the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry, the "Redemption House" is set for its unveiling on August 7 at 1:30 p.m. This facility will offer newly liberated individuals from incarceration both stable housing and access to programs structured to ease re-entrance into society, focusing on job preparation and social skills.
Funded by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners back in 2023, the residence began hosting its first occupants in Summer 2025. In a report obtained by Shelby County's official website, the designation "Redemption House" nods to Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s description of the Office of Re-Entry during a 2022 visit, where he identified the office’s role as "a house of redemption." Research from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health has consistently demonstrated the crucial role that stable housing plays in reducing the likelihood of reoffending following release.
In a statement from Mayor Lee Harris, he emphasized the significance of such a project, "For the first time in its history, Shelby County Government is opening up its own transitional house. By embracing this innovation, we can support solutions that improve public safety, recidivism rates, and stable housing. The Redemption House is not just a home for someone who has served their time, it’s an investment in the future of Shelby County." Similarly, Commissioner Mickell M. Lowery conveyed his pride in participating in such a monumental project stating, “I’m honored to be able to mark the occasion of this historymaking transitional housing project. No single entity can reduce recidivism alone. I’m glad the Shelby County Board of Commissioners was able to be a part of bringing this crucial aspect of reentry to our community,” as noted in the Shelby County's official website.
The initiative not only involves housing but also a comprehensive support framework essential for reintegration. Anthony Alexander, Shelby County Division of Corrections Director, outlined this approach in his statement, "Rehabilitation is not just a component of the criminal justice system — it is one of its most vital responsibilities. The opening of Shelby County's new transitional house (Redemption House), represents a significant investment in second chances. The Redemption House will offer individuals the structured support they need to navigate the challenges of reentry, including housing assistance, employment support, life skills training, and access to counseling services." Cliff Norville, another key player in the project and Shelby County Public Works Director described the project as more than a building project, but a venture in creating a foundation of support for not just its residents but also the larger community. And DeAndre Brown, Shelby County Office of Re-Entry Director, highlighted that "Housing is the next step in our re-entry framework that will continue to build the foundation to a safer community," underscoring the significance of stable housing in the reintegration process, as per the Shelby County.
