MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County leaders unveiled their first transitional house on Thursday, which provides resources for residents who were formerly incarcerated.

Redemption House is in South Memphis, and it gives former inmates a second chance at life.

“When you think nobody’s there to be there for you and they step in like that, it’s really, it’s truly great. It’s a blessing,” said Derrick Harvey, tenant.

Harvey is one of the tenants at Redemption House, which is located on Mississippi Boulevard in South Memphis.

It’s the first transitional house in Shelby County for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Funding for the project was approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in 2023, and now, the doors are finally open.

“This is an opportunity for individuals to truly have a fresh start. They’re removed from anything that could cause them to make bad decisions,” said Director DeAndre Brown Director, Shelby County Office of Re-Entry.

Redemption House aims to create a smoother transition for former inmates who are re-entering society.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris tells your news leader that a lack of resources following a prison release can often lead to recidivism.

“A lot of folks when they get out of prison, one of the major roadblocks is finding housing. In fact, if they can’t find housing, then the opportunity for recidivism, which is their rate of returning to prison, committing a second crime, goes through the roof,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

In addition to housing, the facility prepares tenants for the workforce and provides them with counseling to help them transition back into society.

Derrick Harvey and Martavius Taylor are weeks away from completing a CDL program.

“Everybody deserves a second chance, you know, it depends on what a person do with it and what they willing to do with it and you know, I plan on being successful,” said Martavious Taylor.

Redemption House serves individuals who are currently incarcerated in the Shelby County Division of Corrections and have completed or are in the process of completing hard skills.

There is a waiting list; however, the project’s organizers are working with partners who can also provide resources to former inmates.