Transitional housing program for recently incarcerated men pulled amid community backlash.

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Plans for a halfway house in Salinas were squashed after community outrage.

“After careful consideration, HERS has decided not to move forward with the proposed reentry program at the miranda house residence," said Jennie Nestler, Director of Reentry Services for HER, in a prepared statement.

Around 150 people filled the bleachers at Buena Vista Elementary School in Salinas, and most of them applauded that announcement.

They got their wish. Non-profit Helping Empower Reentry Services, or HERS, halting their plan to introduce people fresh out prison into the Miranda House a property they acquired just off River Road in Salinas.

“I understand why certain members of this community were upset about this project, but there is never an excuse for defaming, threatening, or bullying anyone,” said Nestler, who was immediately met with booing from the crowd.

People from HERS said they’ve faced serious harassment ever since the plan went public, and Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels said she also became a target of toxic behavior.

"I was called things that I've actually never been called in my entire life."

I spoke with some Miranda House Neighbors who said they wouldn’t feel safe living next to formerly incarcerated folks.

While others were upset about a lack of communication from HERS.

Daniels said she’s not surprised by the pushback, but pointed to the Casa de Noche Buena shelter in Seaside as proof that that doesn’t have to block projects from materializing.

"Believe you me, the folks in seaside were not happy when they first learned that we were proposing a homeless shelter in their neighborhood in one neighborhood in seaside, and at this point, I would go as far as to say it's a crown jewel. People are proud of it."

We reached out to several different people at the non-profit but they did not want to do an interview.

According to their statement, though the Miranda House is on pause, they’ll continue trying to support the most vulnerable.

“HERS will continue to create and operate programs that uplift the community including this one,” said Nestler.