Former Brooklyn councilmember and Executive Vice President of External Affairs with the Doe Fund Robert Cornegy joins “In Focus” to celebrate the graduation of more than 200 men from the program. One of them: George Tucker also joins the program to discuss the accomplishment. They earned professional certifications by achieving employment, permanent housing and lasting sobriety.

Founded in 1985, the nonprofit organization has helped nearly 30,000 individuals break the devastating cycle of poverty, homelessness and incarceration in its 30 years since inception. Graduates are also 62% less likely to renter the criminal justice system.

Cornegy and Tucker discuss the Ready, Willing & Able program and the work that the Doe Fund is doing to help formerly homeless or incarcerated individuals achieve success in the face of homelessness and systemic racism, among other obstacles.

The program provides work, housing and comprehensive support services. It’s also estimated to cost 40% less per bed than a New York City homeless shelter.

Cornegy also explains the organization’s partnership with the City Clean Up Corps, career training in skilled trades and how the Doe Fund is being replicated across the county to get formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals back on their feet.