Halfway House: what I do know so far

My friend reported to the Dismas halfway house this past week. I will share with you what I do know initially, and as time progresses. Although he is there on "early release" and was told by the bop before he left prison that he would only be there for about 3 weeks, hogwash. The counselor at the halway house said he may do the remainder of his sentence (to Apr 30) in halfway house. He was breathalized immediately upon arrival. No problem there. He is allowed one (2 hr) visit per week on Sunday 1230 - 2:30 pm. Only 4 people per visit, children are counted as adults. That cannot be broken down into 2 visits on Sunday. It's one visit with a maximum of 4 people. He must register for work through the state employment commission, even though he is 71 and very self-employed. He can wear his own clothes. Visitors can bring him food, but have to leave with all left overs. After the initial 72 hrs. he gets a 2 hr. Walmart pass and must provide his own transportation, be it bus, taxi, or friend or relative. They sleep in bunk beds which are much more comfortable than the bop metal beds. He is allowed a vehicle only if hired and it is needed to get back and forth to work. There are both men and women living at the halfway house, but are not allowed to interact. They have even drawn a line down the middle of the back yard, left side for girls, right side for boys. LOL No cell phones or computers are allowed there. The biggest downside so far: he is bored silly but far better off than in prison!!!