From the Margins to the Work of Reentry: Housing, Advocacy, and Second Chances in North Dakota
By Calvin Till . . . Across the United States, one of the most significant barriers faced by people on the registry is not employment or supervision; it is housing. Without stable housing, successful reentry becomes exponentially more difficult, and individuals leaving incarceration often find themselves caught in a cycle of instability that increases the likelihood of failure. In North Dakota, a small but determined network of organizations and advocates are working to change that reality.
On May 1, 2025, the F5 Project opened the Restorative Paths program
in Fargo, a transitional housing residence designed specifically for individuals on the state sex offender registry who are returning to the community after incarceration. The program provides a structured, supportive, living environment where participants can focus on rebuilding their lives. As the live-in peer support specialist, care coordinator, and house manager for the program, I have had the privilege of helping guide that process. My role involves far more than simply managing a residence. Each day includes helping residents navigate reentry challenges—connecting them with employment opportunities, assisting with housing searches, coordinating with parole and probation officers, and supporting individuals as they adjust to life outside of prison or jail. For many participants, the transition back into society can be overwhelming, The stigma attached to registry status creates additional barriers that most returning citizens do not encounter.
What makes this work particularly meaningful for me is that I share lived experience with the individuals we serve. As a registrant myself, I understand firsthand the obstacles that accompany reentry: the closed doors, the skepticism, and the frustration of trying to rebuild while carrying a label that follows you everywhere. That shared experience often creates a level of trust that is difficult to replicate through more-traditional supervision models. When residents see someone who has navigated similar barriers and is now working in a role that supports others, it reinforces the idea that progress is possible.
Our work in Fargo is not happening in isolation; F5 will be opening another Restorative Paths house in Bismarck, North Dakota, around June of this year. These efforts are also supported by a broader network of organizations committed to helping people on the margins rebuild their lives. The F5 Project in North Dakota provides mentorship, recovery support, and reentry services for individuals transitioning out of incarceration. Through employment connections, peer support, and community engagement, F5 has become a critical resource for individuals seeking a second chance.
Faith-based and community organizations have also played an important role. Ministry on the Margins in Bismarck works directly with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and extreme poverty, offering outreach and support to those who often fall through the cracks of traditional systems. Similarly, AID, Inc. in Mandan, ND, provides services and assistance to individuals facing significant life challenges, helping bridge gaps in housing, resources, and community connections. Together, these organizations demonstrate an important truth: Successful reentry requires collaboration. Housing providers, advocacy groups, recovery programs, and community partners must work together to create pathways forward for individuals who are often written off by society.
Many individuals returning from incarceration are simultaneously navigating recovery from substance use disorders, making integrated support systems essential. To further strengthen my ability to contribute to this field, I am currently pursuing an associate degree in Human Services, with plans to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline. This will provide a foundation with the hope of advocating more effectively for policies and programs that support successful reintegration.
The reality is that when individuals leaving incarceration have access to stable housing, employment opportunities, and supportive community networks, the outcomes improve dramatically. Reentry stops being a revolving door and begins to look like genuine restoration. Programs like the Restorative Paths residence in Fargo demonstrate what is possible when communities invest in solutions rather than stigma.
For those of us who have lived on the margins, the opportunity to help others navigate that path forward is more than a job; it is a commitment to ensuring that second chances are not just an idea but a reality.
Calvin is NARSOL’s representative in North Dakota.
