The Obstacle of Housing after Incarceration
Hello, my name is Shawanna Vaughn, founder of Silent Cry, Inc. and a mother of two. As a formally incarcerated African-American woman, I face a persistent challenge: securing stable housing. My current residence in Detroit, Michigan, a townhome marred by a fire caused by a faulty electrical system and a negligent landlord, has made finding a new home nearly impossible. The difficulties I've encountered highlight a broader issue affecting many formerly incarcerated individuals: the severe barrier that background checks pose in the quest for housing. Despite having the financial means to pay rent, my criminal record—a remnant of my past struggles—continues to impede my ability to secure a home. This situation is not unique to me; it's a systemic problem that affects countless individuals across the nation.
Go to our website: Silentcryinc.org donate, volunteer, call the legislators and ask them to create legislation in every state so that people who are affected by the justice system will have equality and housing. Please donate to our cause here.
The Housing Crisis for the Formerly Incarcerated
According to recent data, over 653,000 individuals were classified as homeless in 2023, marking a 12.1% increase from the previous year. This crisis is especially acute among those who have been formerly incarcerated. Individuals with felony records are ten times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, and housing insecurity is three times more likely if you have a criminal record. The statistics reveal a grim reality: housing for formerly incarcerated people is not just a personal hurdle but a significant societal issue.
The conversation around homelessness and housing insecurity often focuses on current trends and immediate solutions. However, the plight of those with a criminal record is seldom addressed in depth. The political discourse on homelessness often neglects the specific needs of justice-impacted individuals. While we see substantial funds raised for presidential campaigns, the same level of commitment to solving the housing crisis for formerly incarcerated people remains lacking. This discrepancy highlights a critical need for reform in how we approach housing and criminal records.
The Call for Reform
Legislation like the Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act is crucial in addressing these disparities. For many of us, securing stable housing is not just about finding a roof over our heads, but about rebuilding our lives and achieving stability after paying our dues to society. The Act aims to remove barriers in housing applications that disproportionately affect formerly incarcerated individuals, allowing for a fair chance at securing housing despite past convictions.
This legislation confronts discriminatory practices that perpetuate a cycle of punishment. By focusing on rehabilitation and personal growth, the Act represents a step toward a more inclusive society where one's past does not continually impede their ability to build a future.
A Personal Perspective: Antoniese Gant And Others Speak To Fair Housing Issues
Antoniese Gant
My name is Antoniese Gant, and as someone who has faced these challenges firsthand, I understand the urgency and importance of fair housing practices. Despite being financially capable and eager to secure stable housing, I have struggled due to a criminal record from years ago. The Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act is essential in addressing this issue, as it challenges the outdated and unfair practices that prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from moving forward with their lives.
Similarly, Ucedrah Osby’s experience illustrates the broader impact of discriminatory housing practices. Despite her diligent efforts to improve her credit and secure a home, a criminal background check derailed her plans. This experience underscores the need for systemic change. Housing should be a basic human right, not a privilege contingent on one's past mistakes. The continued use of background checks in housing applications reflects an outdated and unfair system that fails to account for an individual's current situation or their potential for rehabilitation.
Minerva Coffie
My name is Minerva Coffie. Seventeen years ago, my sister and I, in our twenties and full of optimism, applied for Section 8 housing. We were naive, thinking that in a matter of months, we'd have access to affordable housing. As time passed, I forgot about the application. In 2008, I was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to ten years in prison. After my release in late 2018, I decided to check on my Section 8 status, only to find that I was still on the waiting list. I updated my information and continued to wait, hoping this time things would move faster.
Finally, in 2024, I was approved for a housing voucher, but the challenges weren’t over. I thought finding an apartment would be easier with assistance, but I was wrong. The stigma and barriers faced by people like me, justice-impacted individuals, made it incredibly difficult to secure housing. No one wanted to rent to us. As my voucher’s expiration looms, I’m left with a choice: settle for subpar housing or risk losing the opportunity to provide support to my sister, who needs it now more than ever. This struggle isn’t unique to me—it’s a reflection of the systemic discrimination that makes stable housing feel out of reach for so many.
How Can You Help Support Fair Housing?
The struggle for fair and accessible housing is a deeply personal and societal issue. For those of us who have been formerly incarcerated, finding a place to call home can be an overwhelming and often insurmountable challenge. We must advocate for changes in housing practices to remove discriminatory barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of their past, has a fair chance at securing a stable and dignified living situation.
I urge you to support initiatives like the Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act and to advocate for changes in housing policies that will create a more equitable system. For those in Michigan, support the Housing Not Hurdles bill through Nation Outside's website. In New York, join a Housing Coalition to make a difference.
And if you're looking to support Silent Cry Inc., please visit our website Silent Cry Inc. to donate, volunteer, and help us fight for justice in housing. Together, we can work towards a future where housing is a right, not a privilege. And donate here.
Thank you for your support and commitment to this crucial cause. You can find Silent Cry on Instagram.
