Thanks to the hard work of advocates nationwide, HUD recently proposed to update guidance to landlords and public housing agencies to help eliminate unnecessary barriers that too often prevent tenants with conviction or arrest records from accessing stable, affordable homes. HUD’s proposed rule is a critical first step towards housing justice and racial equity. Because of historic and ongoing racism in our nation’s criminal legal system, Black, Latino, and Indigenous people are disproportionately harmed by screening criteria that unfairly deny people access to housing because of a history of conviction or arrest. NLIHC urges advocates – especially those with lived experience – to support efforts to decrease barriers to HUD-assisted housing by submitting a public comment by June 10.
Submit A Public Comment
Advocates can support HUD’s efforts to ensure greater access to housing for people with conviction histories by submitting a public comment. Participating in the public comment period is a great way to influence federal policymaking. The deadline for comments is June 10.
Your comment can be long or short, written formally or informally, based on research or your own experiences and the experiences of people you know. Consider answering questions like:
- What are some of the biggest challenges you/your clients have faced trying to find housing?
- How many apartments did you/your client apply for before finding your/their current housing?
- Have you/Has your client been able to find stable housing, and what has the impact been?
- How have these barriers impacted your friends/family members/community?
Advocates can use the comment portal, including a template with a pre-written message, from the Vera Institute for Justice. While all positive messages help, to be fully considered by HUD, comments must be at least 30% original content.
Sign a National Organizational Letter
NLIHC urges all national, state, local, or tribal organizations to join a sign on letter supporting HUD’s efforts to decrease barriers to HUD-assisted housing for formerly incarcerated and convicted people and their families. The deadline to sign on is June 9.
Learn More
NLIHC invites advocates nationwide to learn more about HUD’s proposed rule, its potential impact, and ways advocates can get involved by joining a webinar hosted by the Fortune Society, Fair Share Housing Center, and Drug Policy Alliance. The webinar, “Screened Out: How the Biden Administration Can Open Doors to Housing for Justice-Involved People and Their Families,” is scheduled for May 30 from 3 to 4:30 pm ET.
NLIHC will continue to update our website with additional resources and information.
Thank you for your advocacy.