The only ash is from cardboard from a neighboring recycle bin; the wood was too wet to burn. Over the rails hangs a wet sleeping bag.
Leon was hoping to stay in jail, but he was given early release. He says instead of celebrating, he began to feel frightened as his release date approached, knowing he would be homeless and that the outside meant precisely that—outside.
He claims that the probation and housing departments were unaware that I was going to be released because I was freed five weeks ahead of schedule. They informed me that I would have to wait to get a place to live. I’ve been living on the streets ever since.
After serving five weeks in jail for affray in June of this year, Leon was left homeless in July. After being recalled in September for stealing due to a license violation, he was freed two weeks ago. How long until he returns inside?
He is among the 13% of inmates in England and Wales who are released from prison without a place to live. According to the chief probation inspector, homelessness is the main reason why offenders break their license or commit new offenses.
