(BOP) - On April 28, 2014, the United States Penitentiary (USP) in Marion, Illinois, began partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County to build new homes for needy families. Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing to working families who cannot otherwise afford a home.
USP Marion inmates assist Habitat for Humanity by prefabricating exterior and interior walls and trusses at the USP for delivery to Habitat home construction sites. Habitat for Humanity provides the materials, and inmates provide the labor. USP Marion Facilities staff supervise and instruct the inmates. This arrangement gives inmates an opportunity to assist low income families of Williamson County in obtaining affordable housing.
Fifteen inmates completed construction of the first house on May 1, 2014, and the Abney family moved into their new home on August 10, 2014. On August 28, 2014, Mr. and Ms. Abney visited USP Marion to personally thank the inmates and staff for volunteering to help construct their new home.
Staff and inmates are looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity to help other families in the community. As Warden Walton stated, “We are working together today for a better tomorrow.”