Inmates from Middlesex Sheriff’s Office help renovate Melrose Housing Authority

MELROSE – Residents and visitors at the Julian Steele House will notice a new look to the building thanks to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Community Works Program (CWP). A supervised team of three inmates spent a week repainting all the hallways and common spaces in the nine story housing complex.  The project took place earlier this month.

“The CWP program really benefits our communities and our inmates,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Cities like Melrose receive much-needed assistance on a project they may not otherwise be able to complete, and the individuals with us can get back into a routine of working every day which will better prepare them to successfully reenter society.”

CWP crews are comprised of inmates nearing the end of their sentences who have completed individualized treatment plans (which may include programming for substance use disorder, education/vocational training and other needs) and have been screened and approved for participation. CWP projects are requested by municipalities, school districts, housing authorities and other similar entities and completed under the direct supervision of a correction officer. 

“The Melrose Housing Authority is extremely proud to have partnered with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to support our housing community,” said Melrose Housing Authority Director James Holt. “We have utilized the CWP program for several years now and are grateful for the services that they provide MHA. By utilizing the CWP, we have been able to complete maintenance projects at minimal cost. Their contributions to the MHA have allowed us to re-allocate funds to help benefit our housing community.”

The Sheriff’s Community Work Program is provided at minimal costs to communities throughout Middlesex County.  So far this year crews have completed work in Malden, Stoneham, Wakefield and twenty-three other communities.

###