Cornell University Parole Initiative, Re-entry Division

When applicants are released, they are given extremely little support by the state for finding the basic necessities like housing and employment. This money will be used to provide applicants with a comprehensive list of reentry resources and how to best utilize them, so that they know every option if there are unexpected wrinkles in achieving the reentry plan that we've secured for them.

When applicants get released, they are not provided a way home. Most applicants are released from prisons in Upstate New York, which can be more than 300 miles from their home in New York City. This money covers their journey home by allowing us to buy bus tickets for our applicants.

Applicants are released only with what they had on their backs when they got to prison. After decades in prison, they often lack even the most basic necessities upon their release. These kits will be assembled according to actual need and may include socks and basic clothing necessities, a duffel bag, hygiene products, a reusable water bottle, document storage, and seasonal essentials.

CUPI's most significant contribution to our applicants is writing and compiling a Parole Packet: a document which captures their entire life, from the crime of conviction to their rehabilitative journey, while making the case for their freedom. It is often the most important factor in deciding whether our applicants go home. With $200, we are able to send one applicant's Parole Packet to the Parole Board. If you make this contribution, we will provide information on the person that you supported and update you on their parole status.

This money would cover the parole packets for all of our remaining applicants in 2026. If you make this contribution, we will provide information on each person that you supported and update you on their parole status.

A complete reentry package for an applicant—everything they need to go from nothing but shelter to having a fighting chance—can be as cheap as $200. With this contribution, you can help rebuild 5+ lives of applicants who have been released. If you make this contribution, we will send you information on each person that you are supporting and how your contributions have given them a chance to get their life back on track.

With this money, we could pay for every parole packet for the next 12 months—13 applicants, and with your help, 13 chances to go home. If you contribute to this level, we will inform you about who these 13 applicants are and provide updates on their parole and reentry statuses.