ST.LOUIS – April 30, 2026– Dismas House of St. Louis remains dedicated to its 67-year legacy as the nation’s first Residential Reentry Center (RRC), supporting individuals as they transition from incarceration back into the community.
In response to recent reporting by KMOV, Dismas House is providing additional information to ensure the public has a complete and balanced understanding of our program’s safety, structure, and impact.
Dismas House fully cooperated with KMOV’s inquiry, providing a comprehensive written response in February outlining medical emergency protocols, federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) accountability standards, resident services, and organizational governance. Additionally, Program Director John House participated in a 90-minute on-camera interview on March 2, 2026, addressing RRC program operations, protocols, and the commitment of our staff.
To promote transparency, Dismas House recorded the full interview and will begin releasing full-context excerpts through its social media channels. Additional materials will be made available on a dedicated section of our website, currently under development.
While recent coverage may not have reflected the full scope of our operations, the following data—previously provided to KMOV—offers important context:
- Leader in Safety: While any loss of life is tragic, internal analysis indicates the mortality rate for clients residing at Dismas House is approximately 31% lower than the national average, based on 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (722 deaths per 100,000; 0.72%). Comparative analysis using data from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities indicates Dismas House residents experience significantly lower mortality rates than the general population of the City of St. Louis (1,026.4 deaths per 100,000; 1.026%).
- Proactive Substance Mitigation: Dismas House maintains a rigorous substance mitigation program, including randomized and unannounced 14-panel drug screenings conducted multiple times per month. From 2020 to 2025, more than 40,000 tests were administered, with a 97.37% drug-free rate. The program also incorporates unannounced K9 inspections—an additional safeguard not required under federal contracts.
- Enhanced Resident Support: Beyond federal requirements, Dismas House provides dietician-approved meals, personal communication devices, internet access, cable television, and onsite laundry services at no cost. Since 2020, the organization has invested millions of dollars in facility improvements.
- Accountability and Oversight: The facility undergoes regular, comprehensive onsite audits by the BOP. Dismas House has consistently met and/or exceeded required compliance standards as a federal Residential Reentry Center.
“Our focus remains on the individuals we serve and their successful transition back into the community,” said Program Director John House. “We are committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and ensuring that every program participant has the resources and structure needed to succeed.”
Dismas House invites the community to review the full statement provided to KMOV and to follow the upcoming “Full Context” video series for a more complete view of its programs and operations.