Middlesex Sheriff's Inmates Help Belmont Housing Authority

BELMONT, MA – A team of inmates from the Middlesex Sheriff's Office recently assisted the Belmont Housing Authority at the Sherman Gardens housing complex by washing hallways and shoveling sidewalks.

The inmates participated in the office's Community Work Program, a voluntary program for low-risk offenders who have completed treatment programs such as substance use treatment, educational programming and vocational training.

"These acts of service allow our inmates to give back to their community prior to their release," Sheriff Peter Koutoujian said in a statement. “Getting into the routine of working every day will better prepare these men to reenter society, and in the meantime provide a much needed service to the Belmont Housing
Authority."

Community Work inmates have completed six projects in Belmont since last February. Crews consist of screened and supervised teams of three to five inmates, who complete painting, cleanup and other projects.

"The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Community Work Program has provided much needed additional
resources for work that might not have otherwise been done due to funding constraints," Donna
Hamilton, executive director of the Belmont Housing Authority, said in a statement. "We appreciate all of the hard work that has been done to assist the Authority in completing these projects."

Teams have visited 16 communities in Middlesex County so far this year.

Photo submitted by the Middlesex Sheriff's Office