Hey Everyone! My name is Erin Sullivan and I'm a reporter for the Birmingham Post-Herald, a newspaper in Birmingham, Ala. As you know, many of our female inmates have been shipped to a private prison in Louisiana because of overcrowding. I know this must be awful for friends and family who want to visit their loved one. I'm looking for a family to write about in Alabama (the Birmingham area, if possible.) Do you know of anyone? I want to write about the hardships they face, and follow them for a visit to Louisiana. If you fit this description and you want to talk with me, please send me a message at ____________ (or if you know anyone, please give them my e-mail address.) Thank you for any help! I really appreciate it!
Cheers,
Erin

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Erin

I don't live in Alabama but I could tell you some of the tricks I've come up with so that I can make the trip to see my son. He is only 4 hours away but that is far enough that it is very difficult to make the drive all in one day. Since there are no monetary funds to provide lodging at a hotel, I sleep in my car. It is very difficult but there are a few things that should be considered before someone tries this.

First of all do not go to an out of the way place, like a park. It's just not safe for women these days. Always go somewhere that is open 24 hours a day like Walmart or a truckstop. If you go to a truckstop I like to go in and let them know that I am there for the night. I feel safer when someone is aware of my presence. Should someone come near the car you could hit the horn and those on duty will not just assume it is a traffic problem and will check things out or call the police. Walmart has security officers and securtiy cameras in their parking lots.

Check out the bathrooms to find out who has a private restrooms. That way you can take a sponge bath and wash your hair if necessary. Some places will have outlets in there so you can take a hair dryer. Unfortunately I've check all of them in the area I travel to and they don't. Not to worry that's what the car heater is for. Turn it on high and blow dry away.

There is more if you are interested.

I also have Ms. Sullivan's email address, if anyone is interested in doing this. I received a message from her today seeking information.