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Kim Kardashian-West is not only interested in prison reform, but in improving the lives of those affected by incarceration.
Following the implementation of the First Step Act, Matthew Charles was released from prison after serving 20 years of his 35-year sentence of imprisonment after being convicted of offenses related to the drug without violence.
However, Charles – like many former detainees – has struggled to find housing and has recently been denied housing. Kardashian, in an aid effort, has promised to pay Charles' rent for the next five years.
Tim Hardiman, senior journalist with CMT and a friend of Charles, tells ET that Kardashian was first informed of Charles's situation last May, when she saw NPR's account of his return to prison.
Hardiman explains that when Kardashian met with President Donald Trump in May 2018 to discuss leniency against Alice Johnson, she also mentioned Charles in this conversation. Upon her return to the White House last September to further discuss the criminal justice reform, she again spoke of Charles's situation. Charles was later present at the State of Trump Union speech in February.
According to Hardiman, Charles last Tuesday asked for his residence in an apartment complex in Nashville. On Thursday, her application was denied because of her criminal record and poor credit rating. Because he's been incarcerated for 22 years, Charles has never been able to establish a credit rating. His situation is not unique, as many reformed offenders struggle to find affordable housing because of these policies.
Charles informed Hardiman that his application had been rejected. That night, Hardiman posted the rejection letter on his Instagram account under a photo of Charles posing with President Trump to express his frustration and solicit the help of any friend who may have rented a property. rental.
A journalist from The tennesseeNatalie Neysa Alund saw this message and contacted Hardiman and Charles to tell them a story. Kardashian then saw the story and his team solicited Hardiman's help yesterday.
Kardashian generously offered to pay Charles' rent for five years and to contact the owners if necessary.
Hardiman adds, "When I spoke to Charles about Kim's generous gift, he was upset! He was really humiliated that Kim was willing to discharge this burden. Charles told me that Kim 's generosity would allow him to save enough money to eventually put a down payment on his first home. Kim changed his life! "
Kardashian has not yet commented on his generous offer. However, Charles shared the news on Facebook in a sincere appreciation message.
"I just received the most wonderful news tonight that I had to share with everyone Kim Kardashian-West … heard about my situation, she was moved and decided to help me", wrote Charles. "Kim did not do that to attract attention or publicity, but I had to share it, because it's too beautiful and my heart is about to burst out of happiness, I wish you to enjoy this news with me. "
To learn more about Kardashian's comprehensive efforts for prison reform, watch the video below.
-Reporting by Kelly Agnes.
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