The Tennessee Department of Correction opened two Veterans Housing Units specifically designed to address the needs of veterans on Friday.
The units, which are located at Turney Center Industrial Complex (TCIX) in Only, Tn. and Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (BCCX) in Pikeville, will provide services for veterans to address their unique and specific issues through partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.
The units are modeled after a Behavioral Therapeutic Community that focuses on peer interaction and support to build on the structure and dignity instilled through military service. Each unit will also have veterans-centric staff including Veterans Service Officers and a Veterans Justice Specialist.
The Veterans Units currently have a capacity of 182 men. While TCIX and BCCX are the first units to open, the department is looking to expand the program later in 2019.