Person carrying pillows through a doorway, overlaid with text 'What It's Like to Leave Prison During a Pandemic' from The New York Times.

What It’s Like to Leave Prison During a Pandemic for The New York Times

In November 2020, New Jersey decided to release over 2000 inmates from state prisons to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. I wanted to follow up with folks leaving prison during a pandemic to see how they experienced the reentry process. I spent 11 months with three different individuals with reporter David Gonzalez from the New York Times.

This project was supported by a special covid-19 grant from the National Geographic Society.

Below are the stories of Richard Gonzalez, Genisis Goss and Mychal Pagan

Richard

Richard was released from Northern State Prison in November 2020 after serving 13 years for armed burglary. He didn't have an apartment lined up, so he spent the first few months sleeping in the living room of his father's small townhome. Richard's main struggle after he was released was getting his driver's license. Due to a few warrants out for his arrests that were not cleared up while in prison, the time to get his driver's license was delayed. He was dependent on family members, taxis, ubers and public transportation to get to work and school. Soon after he was released, he started dating his now fiance.

Finally at the end of 2021, Richard got his driver's license. No more spending $12 on taxis to do laundry or buy groceries, or waiting an hour for the bus after finishing a night shift at his warehouse job to get to school the same morning. 

“Those were the final pieces I needed to be normal,” said Richard, 45. “Once instead of going home, I stayed up 48 hours, just work and school, work and school. By the time I got home I was dying!”

At the end of 2021, Richard moved to Staten Island to live with his fiance. He is still working at a warehouse while attending his classes at Rutgers University full-time.

A man sitting on a sofa bed in a living room, eating from a bowl. The room has decorative pillows, floral arrangements, and a table with candles. A door with coats hanging nearby is visible in the background.
A person wearing a brown jacket and blue jeans walks toward the entrance of a building with red accents. The scene takes place at night, and the person carries a small bag while another person is visible in the background. The entrance is well-lit and features large windows.
Man in a white tank top adjusting his jeans in a dimly lit room with a bed, window air conditioner, and TV.
A person lying in bed under a textured blanket, looking at a smartphone screen in low light.
Two people in a social setting, one in a red tracksuit and another wearing a pink head scarf and mask, holding papers and having a conversation.
Three people outside a liquor store at night, one lighting a cigarette for another.
A person walking on a roadside path next to several road signs including a speed limit sign of 35, and signs for Interstate 95, turnpike, and parkway directions. The scene has greenery and a cloudy sky in the background.
Close-up of a person holding an open wallet displaying a temporary offender ID card with a photo of a man, issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Two people standing by a grave in a cemetery during the day, surrounded by headstones and trees without leaves. Flowers and a sign with "Mom" written on it can be seen at the grave.
Man sitting in a dimly lit car interior, wearing a dark hoodie, with car audio equipment in the backseat.
Two people sitting at a small table in a lobby, reviewing documents with a smartphone. One person is writing, the other is holding the phone. The background includes a poinsettia plant, wall signs, and a reception area.
Silhouette of a person smoking in an apartment corridor, snowy pathway and brick buildings in the background.
Family relaxing on a gray sectional sofa in a living room with festive decorations, including "Happy Birthday" signs and balloons, floral curtains, and floor lamp.
Person in a car using a phone, looking out the window at a street with light blue buildings and a sidewalk.

Genisis

Genisis was released from Attica Correctional Facility in June 2021 after serving 25 years for murder and robbery. She tried to first live at aunt’s house but didn't feel comfortable there. She ended up living in a hotel room in Queens, N.Y. while she struggled to find work and permanent housing.

Early on, Genisis faced a lot of barriers. She lost her passport and identification. She was unable to find work and had to find alternative ways to survive.

Unfortunately, after I photographed her at the end of November, I lost contact. 

Person standing by a window at sunrise in a dimly lit bedroom with unmade bed and cluttered dresser.
Pedestrians crossing a busy street at an intersection with a "West 34th St" sign and a "Tick Tock" restaurant visible.
Silhouette of a person raising arms under blue spotlight in a dark room.
Close-up of a white hotel key card labeled "Enjoy," a Metrocards case, and part of a shoe.
Two women laughing and sitting at a table in a dimly lit bar with red lighting, drinks on the table, and a TV screen in the background.
Person with curly hair wearing glasses, exhaling smoke in a dimly lit urban setting, with colorful blurred lights in the background.