As more inmates are released from Orange County jails, they face reentering a community besieged by a deadly virus and an economic crisis. “A lot of people just need a second chance,” said Meghan Medlin, founder and chief executive of H.I.R.E. “And if you give them a second chance, they will be successful.”The nonprofit is looking to unify Orange County stakeholders, community members and service providers to offer referrals and programs to former inmates looking for help. “Our number one issue here in Orange County is housing,” Medlin said. During Waltman’s six years in the Orange County Public Defender’s office, he’s learned through the experiences of his clients.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 23, 2020 19:51 UTC