The State of North Carolina recently recognized the City of Wilmington for its support of a transitional housing program for men and women who have recently been released from prison.

The N.C. Housing Finance Agency honored the Marvin E. Roberts transitional living facility operated by Leading into New Communities (LINC) in Wilmington, according to a recent news release, which added that  the City of Wilmington provided more than one-third of the funds to build the facility. The transitional living facility provides supportive housing for individuals who have been incarcerated.

The city granted $550,000 in funds to construct the $1.5 million facility, which offers educational, health, rehabilitation and employment services as a way to help break the cycle of recidivism, the release stated.  Recidivism is a primary source of crime in Wilmington and programs such as these are key to reducing the number of re-offenders, Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous said in the news release.