Kaptur Announces $1 Million US DOJ Investment in Lucas County's Smart Reentry Demonstration Initiative

October 26, 2026 Press Release Toledo, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced an award of $1 Million for the Smart Reentry Demonstration Initiative in Lucas County. The Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will receive the award through the US Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and allocate it for the Smart Reentry Demonstration Initiative in Lucas County that helps former inmates reenter the community by addressing the housing instability faced by individuals who are released from state prisons. “Every individual deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life and return to their community with the support and resources needed to succeed,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) . “I am proud to support Lucas County’s Smart Reentry Demonstration Initiative, which will address housing instability, expand access to employment, and provide comprehensive case management for individuals returning home from state prisons. By helping participants secure transitional housing and build pathways to long-term stability, this initiative will reduce the rate of repeated offenses and strengthen public safety across Northwest Ohio. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this effort as we work to ensure that our returning neighbors have a meaningful opportunity for a successful fresh start.” “This federal investment through Second Chance Act (SCA) funding strengthens our community’s ability to support returning citizens with the stable housing and coordinated services they need to safely and successfully reintegrate into our community,” said Holly Matthews, Executive Director, Toledo Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. “We are grateful for this opportunity to advance a data‑driven model that reduces recidivism, improves public safety, and expands long‑term housing stability in Lucas County.” “When people commit a crime, and then serve their time, it is in our community's best interest to help them become productive returning citizens,” said Judge Tim Kuhlman, Chair, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. “This grant will help us help them to be successful.” This initiative aims to place approximately 30 individuals annually in transitional housing through a master-leasing model while providing comprehensive case management services. Participants will be selected based on assessments indicating a moderate to high risk of reoffending. Through individualized, comprehensive support including workforce development and employment placement services, participants will be assisted in securing and maintaining stable employment with the goal of transitioning to permanent housing within 6–9 months. Supporting individuals who are released from prison and easing their transition into our communities has remained a strong priority for Congresswoman Kaptur. In 2024, she secured a total of $678,332 to the Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to support individuals with substance use disorders through treatment alternatives to incarceration, expanded access to resources, and community partnerships that reduce recidivism and promote recovery. # # # Issues : Jobs and the Economy