Expanding Public Housing Access for People with Conviction Histories: Policy Implementation and Stakeholder Perspectives

Photo: Klaus Vedfelt

Overview

When people return to their communities following incarceration, access to safe, affordable housing is critical for successful reentry. Stable housing underpins a person’s ability to find employment, establish community ties, reconnect with family, and avoid recidivism. Despite this urgent need, many people encounter systemic barriers to accessing housing.

This report examines the strides made by some public housing authorities (PHAs) in adopting more inclusive admissions practices for people with arrest and conviction histories, offering hope for more equitable and stable housing outcomes. Drawing on administrative data and interviews with staff, residents, and community partners for PHAs across three jurisdictions, the Vera Institute of Justice evaluated how these inclusive practices were implemented, what challenges were encountered, and where further refinements could be made to increase housing access for people with conviction histories and their families. The findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for other housing authorities and landlords considering similar changes.

Key Takeaway

Securing stable housing is among the most critical challenges people face when returning to their communities after incarceration. By continuing to refine these inclusive policies and implementation approaches, PHAs can better fulfill their mission of providing safe, affordable housing to community members, including those with conviction histories.

Publication Highlights

Research consistently demonstrates that stable housing significantly influences reentry outcomes. It serves as a foundation for employment stability, family reunification, community integration, and reduced recidivism.
The experiences of PHAs in this study highlight both the transformative potential of these policy changes and the need for careful attention to implementation details.
The findings challenge the assumption that admitting people with conviction histories poses a risk to community safety.

Key Facts

Formerly incarcerated people experience homelessness at rates nearly 10 times greater than the general population.

People who were previously incarcerated experience significantly higher rates of housing instability, which is connected to diminished employment opportunities, lower income levels, and economic insecurity, perpetuating cycles of instability and recidivism.

Studies have found no significant link between a conviction history and unsuccessful tenancy. Most people with conviction histories were not associated with an increased risk of negative housing outcomes, such as lease violations or nonpayment of rent.