Property managers frequently require background checks to assess whether an applicant has a criminal background, which can make it difficult for formerly incarcerated individuals to secure housing. According to an article from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, “Housing is the key to reducing intergenerational poverty and increasing economic mobility.” (nlihc.org). Access to stable housing is crucial for financial security and successful reintegration into society. Without a place to call home, formerly incarcerated individuals often struggle to readjust to life after prison. This increases the risk of recidivism which is the tendency to reoffend. Research from The Effect of Housing Circumstances on Recidivism notes, “Most studies find housing insecurity is associated with increased risk of recidivism” (Jacobs and Gottilieb, 2020).
“Failed reentry significantly impacts public safety and places a financial strain on communities.”
Recidivism impacts not only those directly affected, but also society as a whole. An article titled Incarceration & Reentry states, “More than two-thirds of prisoners are rearrested within 3 years of their release and half are reincarcerated. When reentry fails, the costs are high — more crime, more victims, and more pressure on already-strained state and municipal budgets.” (aspe.hhs.gov). Failed reentry significantly impacts public safety and places a financial strain on communities. Supporting individuals with criminal records to secure stable housing can improve their lives while developing safer and more financially stable communities.
An example of combatting housing discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals was introduced through The Fair Chance at Housing Act. According to information from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, this ordinance was “introduced by Senator Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to help ensure that justice-involved people have access to federal housing assistance” (nlihc.org). This bill limits the ability of Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to deny federally assisted housing to justice-involved people.
Additionally, providing fairer consideration to the circumstances of formerly incarcerated individuals in the housing application process can lead to better outcomes and address important societal issues. LMM provides critical support to individuals with criminal records through its Workforce Development program. This provides individuals who are currently incarcerated with the opportunity to gain culinary arts training and job placement assistance after reentry. Having a stable career increases formerly incarcerated individuals’ ability to financially afford stable housing.
LMM also offers programs like Second Chance Housing and Coventry Houses to support Fair Chance Housing initiatives. Click the button below to learn more about these programs.
“Providing fairer consideration to the circumstances of formerly incarcerated individuals in the housing application process can lead to better outcomes…”
