Proposed HUD Rule Aims to Reduce Housing Barriers for Individuals with Criminal Records
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is making strides to reduce housing barriers for individuals with criminal records. This new rule, if adopted, will ensure that people like Courtney Edwards and Chanel Cayasso, who have struggled to find stable housing due to their past mistakes, will have a fair chance at accessing HUD-assisted housing, public housing, and vouchers.
Courtney Edwards, a victim of Hurricane Ian, has been living out of her car and in hotels with her family due to her criminal history. She visits the Hillsborough County NAACP offices weekly in search of a place to stay, emphasizing the stress and difficulties she faces in finding housing for her children.
Chanel Cayasso, a mother of six, also faced challenges in finding stable housing due to a past mistake she made as a teenager. She highlights the impact her criminal history has had on her mental health and ability to support her children.
The proposed rule by HUD aims to provide a fair and individualized process for public housing agencies when deciding who to admit, focusing only on criminal records related to safety. However, there may be pushback from landlords who are hesitant to rent to individuals with criminal histories, even if they are nonviolent offenders.
Kim Overman, from the Housing Leadership Council of Tampa Bay Incorporated, stresses the importance of providing access to safe and secure housing for individuals with criminal records to prevent recidivism and promote success within the community.
Connie Burton, from the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, advocates for checks and balances to ensure that discrimination against individuals with background challenges no longer exists in government policies.
Overall, the new rule proposed by HUD is seen as a second chance for individuals who have been repeatedly denied housing due to their criminal history. It is viewed as a crucial step towards providing opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives and have a roof over their heads. Public comments on the proposed rule are being collected until June 10 through the Federal Register.
