Tips to Land Housing As A Returning Citizen
How to Secure Your Keys as a Returning Citizen
Finding suitable housing is often one of the most difficult challenges for returning citizens when returning to society after incarceration. The stigma and discrimination associated with a criminal record can make finding housing difficult. In their efforts to start over, returning citizens face a significant barrier in the form of homelessness.
Employment barriers and explicit discrimination have resulted in a housing crisis. According to research, incarceration and homelessness have a reciprocal relationship, with one increasing the likelihood of the other. However, with the right information and strategies, overcoming these obstacles and finding a stable home is possible.
People who have only served one sentence in prison are nearly seven times more likely to be homeless than the general population. On the other hand, people who have been incarcerated more than once have rates that are 13 times higher than the general population. Therefore, the more you have been incarcerated, the higher your chances of homelessness.
Returning citizens continue to be excluded from the housing market due to discrimination by public housing authorities and private property owners and a lack of affordable housing. People who have been incarcerated are ten times more likely than the general population to be homeless. This link between incarceration and homelessness disproportionately impacts people of color, with Black men and women experiencing much higher rates of homelessness both before and after incarceration.
PRISON POLICY INITIATIVE
The challenges of homelessness for returning citizens
- Discrimination and stigma: Due to their criminal history, returning citizens may experience discrimination from landlords and property owners, making it difficult to find housing.
- Financial Restrictions: Finding housing can be difficult for those released with little money, especially in areas where rent is expensive.
- Lack of Resources: Many returning citizens need to be made aware of the resources and assistance programs available to help with the housing search.
Tips for Securing Housing as a Returning Citizen
Since homelessness and incarceration are inversely correlated, securing a stable residence is essential to reducing the risk of re-arrest and re-incarceration. Below are some tips on securing housing:
Plan While Incarcerated
Individuals can take proactive steps to prepare for their housing needs upon release while still incarcerated. Look for educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services that can help you improve your job prospects and financial stability.
Patience is key
Obtaining stable housing as a returning citizen is a time-consuming process. Recognize that setbacks will occur, but keeping a positive attitude and persevering through difficulties will increase your chances of success.
Seek help and make a plan
Connect with loved ones, friends, and community organizations like URC that can provide emotional and practical support before release. Create a comprehensive reentry plan outlining housing options, employment opportunities, and personal objectives.
URC’s Casablanca gala event
URC collaborates with realtors and homeowners who believe in second chances, offering advice and support from start to finish. Attending events like our Casablanca Gala allows you to support programs like EZ-Homes that empower returning citizens and foster a more inclusive and compassionate community. This project entails purchasing and rehabilitating real estate to provide housing for citizens returning from incarceration. Secure your spot here.