Sentencing to Service Homes

Sentencing to Service (STS) Homes is a one-year carpenter training program for men and women, primarily from Hennepin County, who are incarcerated in state prisons at Lino Lakes, Redwing, Shakopee Women's Prison and Stillwater. This program is a joint venture between Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections. 

The core of the program involves:

• Constructing affordable housing through new home construction and rehabilitation of properties in the inner city.
• Historic restoration at Fort Snelling.
• Construction of camper cabins for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Three River Park District.
• Involvement with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing providers.

Through a partnership with the Minneapolis Building and Trades Council, the STS Homes Program employs journeyman foremen crew leaders as site foremen. These employees are responsible for transporting, supervising, and instructing the crew for quality work performance and safety.

STS Homes strives to have a comprehensive plan for inmates' release that includes a positive support system, a safe place to live and a good job.  Most participants have completed chemical dependency treatment and are involved in aftercare and Alcoholics Anonymous.  During the program, inmates have to complete their General Education Development tests and obtain a driver's license. The program is nationally known for a recidivism rate of less than six percent.