The Ride Home Program helps people formerly incarcerated in California transition back to society

LOS ANGELES — Nearly 1 million people are released from California prisons and jails every year. While many have a place to go, they don’t always have a ride there.

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s Ride Home Program, created in collaboration with Stanford University, helps formerly incarcerated people transition back to society with a ride to their approved transitional housing, along with a meal of their choice, a new outfit, a cellphone and toiletries.

By pairing them with drivers who are also formerly incarcerated, the program aims to continue mentorship and relationship-building even after the ride is over.

“You’re going to get the support, you’re going to get the resources, but ultimately, you’re going to get an opportunity to transition back into the community safely,” Ride Home founder Carlos Cervantes said.

The program says it has helped bring home more than 1,394 people upon their release.

In July, Cervantes gave Pedro Gonzalez his first ride after Gonzalez served 24 years at a correctional training facility in Soledad.

“Welcome home, bro,” Cervantes said to Gonzalez as they both got in the car.

“How are you feeling?” Cervantes asked.

“I feel good … you know why,” Gonzalez said, as he settled in the passenger seat.

Gonzalez told NBC News later in an interview: “I was happy when I heard he was coming to get me,” he said in Spanish, “finally, it’s happening.”

Cervantes took Gonzalez shopping for an outfit and a cellphone and treated him to a meal of his choice. Gonzalez chose a cheeseburger.

According to the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, formerly incarcerated people who have participated in its support and career programs have a less than 10% recidivism rate (a conviction for a new felony or misdemeanor committed within three years of being released or placed under supervision) compared with California’s 60% rate.

The Ride Home Program has experienced a 700% increase in demand following the Covid pandemic.

An earlier version of this story was first published by NBCU Academy Storytellers.