Meet Raven McDowell.

Like most justice impacted women, Raven faced daunting challenges after getting out of jail.

Yeah, I was scared because, like, I know I didn't have no directio I didn't have nowhere to go.

I was back on the streets.

Hello.

I'm Bonnie Boswell.

While Raven's fears upon her release were not unfounded, a report by Invisible Bars showed that 41% of formerly incarcerated women become homeless.

But Raven's probation officer introduced her to Brilliant Corners in downtown Los Angeles so she could get housing.

There she met Morgan Chandler.

I am the program manager for the Breaking Barriers program.

We're providing services, supportive services, housing, case management and employment services.

Because once they're coming from incarceration, they pay a portion of their rent and so they can become sufficient.

And the goal is to take over their rent at the end of the 24 months I absolutely remember the first time I met Raven.

you know,, she's told me her full story where she was with her child and her journey trying to get her son back And really just poured her heart out to me.

And by the end of that time, we were like, OK, we have a plan.

Raven lost custody of her son when he was a baby.

Getting him back became her main motivation.

And this is my bedroom.

For.

Year.

Everything just came this morning, like at 930.

What does it mean?

To you to have a job, a place to stay?

All these things that are so important.

My apartment means everything because I have a roof over my head.

It's safe for me and my son.

He helps take care of my child as well.

Securing housing was a critical step for Raven.

Next week, you'll meet the man and organization that helped her regain custody of her son.

For KCET, I'm Bonnie Boswell.