The phrase "housing inmates" means to provide a place for people who have been convicted of a crime to live while they are serving their punishment in prison. Full definition
But perhaps looking to be pragmatic in addition to sympathetic, Ms. Mark - Viverito also made an economic argument for housing inmates closer to home. (observer.com)
The bail fund is a pet project of Speaker Mark - Viverito, who said it can cost $ 100,000 a year to house an inmate on Rikers Island. (newyork.cbslocal.com)