HUD Director Encourages Public Housing Authorities to Grant Access to People with Criminal Records
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Director Shaun Donovan recently sent a letter to the directors of public housing authorities across the nation to encourage them to allow access for persons with criminal records to obtain housing. In his letter, Donovan clarified HUD’s position on eligibility and emphasized that when individuals are returning to the community from prison or jail that housing stability is necessary for success – a sentiment that has been echoed in Virginia by Governor McDonnell.
Housing Authority directors have much discretion in determining who is eligible for public housing. In fact, there are only two universal federal restrictions: 1. If an individual was convicted of methamphetamine production on public housing grounds or 2. If an individual is registered as a lifetime sex offender. All other eligibility criteria are determined by local jurisdictions.
In your jurisdiction, it is important to advocate for increasing access to public housing for ex-offenders to prevent the likelihood of homelessness. A great deal of information is available about the link between housing and a reduction in both crime and recidivism.
For more information, see the National Reentry Resource Center: http://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/
Jim Tobin
Executive Director
Piedmont Community Services, Martinsville
Alice Tousignant
Executive Director
Virginia Supportive Housing, Richmond
Allison Wingfield
Executive Director
Rush Homes, Lynchburg
Michael Wong
Executive Director
Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Harrisonburg
