WHO WE ARE

The Story Behind Manumission House

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How the Mission Got Started

MH was founded by Thomas Anderson, a justice-impacted individual who spent 22 ½ years in the Maryland Correctional System. During his incarceration, Thomas became one of only 12,000 students nationwide permitted to participate in President Barack Obama’s Second Chance Pell Grant Pilot Program.


Through this transformative opportunity, he earned his degree from the University of Baltimore. Upon returning home, Thomas recognized the critical need for education-focused transitional housing to support justice-impacted individuals on their path to reintegration. Inspired by his own journey, he established Manumission House to provide stable housing and wrap-around services that empower residents to achieve their educational goals and break the cycle of incarceration.

Manumission House not only transforms the lives of justice-impacted individuals but also creates a ripple effect that impacts future generations. By equipping residents with stable housing, education, and support services, MH enables them to secure meaningful employment, contribute to their communities, and break cycles of incarceration.


This impact extends to the estimated 5 million children in the United States who have a parent that has been incarcerated. Studies show that children with incarcerated parents are six times more likely to become justice-involved themselves. By supporting parents in achieving stability and success through education, MH helps disrupt this cycle, offering children a better chance to thrive. This generational impact strengthens the social fabric of Baltimore City, creating opportunities for families to build brighter futures and reducing the long-term societal costs of incarceration.

Through its innovative model, MH not only uplifts individuals but fosters a transformative change that reverberates through families, neighborhoods, and the broader community.

Manumission House Impact on the Community

Future Goals

Over the next five years, MH aims to expand its impact by housing up to 60 residents annually and supporting 500 individuals through reentry services. For residents participating in MH programs, the goal is to reduce their recidivism rates to below 5%, a significant improvement compared to Maryland's current average of 40%. This reduction highlights the transformative potential of MH’s education-focused reentry model, which combines stable housing, academic support, and comprehensive wrap-around services.


Beyond Maryland, MH aspires to establish Manumission Houses nationwide, creating a network of transitional housing that empowers justice-impacted individuals across the United States. By scaling this model, MH has the potential to redefine reentry success, drastically lowering recidivism rates and providing life-changing opportunities for residents. This expansion would also positively impact their families and children, breaking generational cycles of incarceration and fostering stronger, more stable communities nationwide.


This ambitious vision positions MH as a catalyst for systemic change, shaping a future where justice-impacted individuals have the tools to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.