Kanecountyconnect.com
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office has proposed a transitional housing program in Aurora to help citizens returning from prison, reintegrate into society and reduce repeat offenses. Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain points to the lack of transitional housing as a major obstacle to preventing recidivism.
The program, which is proposed for a building located at 131 W. Illinois Ave., aims to lower the jail population and save taxpayer dollars by providing housing for individuals leaving the Kane County Jail or Illinois Department of Corrections.
The facility would offer up to six months of support in one of the building’s four units, each accommodating two men. All tenants would be non-violent offenders who have satisfied rehabilitation benchmarks.
Residents would receive the first month free and then pay $750 per month. The estimated $72,000 in annual revenue would cover maintenance costs and support reentry services. The facility may also include additional county services, such as a Sheriff’s Office substation and job training rooms.
Given that 30% of those incarcerated return to Aurora, the program’s location is strategic. However, final approval depends on obtaining city permits, and the county will seek input from Aurora officials before proceeding.
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office’s existing re-entry programs are considered a national model, saving taxpayers in Kane County millions of dollars.
The Kane County Board has already approved two resolutions allocating $800,000 from federal pandemic relief funds for the project.
