It is common for new parolees to spend their first nights in the extra bedroom or on the couch of family members or friends; many find themselves still living in similar “temporary” housing months...

It is common for new parolees to spend their first nights in the extra bedroom or on the couch of family members or friends; many find themselves still living in similar “temporary” housing months later. Although living with family may be preferable in some cases, it is often true that the parolee—if he or she is jobless, unable to contribute to rent, and largely idle—becomes a burden. Similarly, negative issues in the host family often can make a living situation detrimental. At least one study found parolees who live alone fare better than those who live with family or friends.