Work among and with prisoners: Heartbreaking!

 

It must surely be a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit that even a small number of those men and women in the hell of the prison system survive it and hold on to their humanity.”

― Howard Zinn 

The stuff I’m reading from and about Michigan prisons this week is so unpleasant! It underscores the very reason why HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS was formed 24 years ago, and the reason why, today, HFP offers a cup of cool water, “action with compassion.” 

St. Louis Correctional Facility 

The Michigan Corrections Organization reveals that it has received alarming reports from St. Louis CF exposing hazardous and unsafe conditions. “SLF experienced a rash of violence in July 2025 which included 15 staff assaults, 25 prisoner assaults, and 69 prisoners sent to segregation for fighting. Additionally, 23 prisoners went to segregation for protection and 45 for refusing to lock in general population. The facility was put on lock down multiple times including after a 12-man fight where prison made weapons were discovered. “ Says MCO: “The MDOC is failing to safely manage the security levels of prisoners…and it is placing the lives of staff and prisoners in jeopardy.” 

Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility, Muskegon 

The wife of a resident at Brooks posted: “In the cafeteria there is mice dropping on everything They wash pots and pans in garbage cans I'm sure the cans are clean, but don't they have sinks. The portions they get on a tray is less than what school kids get…we are talking about grown men. I know it's a prison but prisons don't have to be ran like this. Hell, Alligator Alcatraz illegals are treated better than American prisoners… they also have air conditioning! The guys at Brook correctional can't even take a cool shower to cool down cause the showers water is kept on hot.” 

HFP checked with Corrections Ombudsman Keith Barber regarding hot showers: “It’s true the showers at LRF, and I believe most if not all prisons, are set at a single temperature in the warm/hot range. There is no ability to make the water colder or hotter except perhaps when hot water starts running low, then the shower temp gets cooler. 

Saginaw Correctional Facility 

An inmate/mentor has comments on heat, stench and cuisine. Their class schedule results in a delayed visit to the chow hall. “When the students show up chow lines are down, but the heat generated by up to 720 people filing through the building before we get there lingers, making it more uncomfortable than being outside or even in our rooms. With supper consisting of the infamous "cat's head" meatballs and rubbery, cold noodles served in a hot, muggy area where the stench of male BO and mildewed clothing overrides the odor of mass- produced food, I'm thinking a peanut butter sandwich or two is more appealing.” 

"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God"

Bob Pierce

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