Housing Research

Stable housing is the cornerstone of successful reentry, offering both material and emotional support that helps individuals rebuild their lives. Without secure housing, returning citizens face immense challenges in addressing even their most basic needs

    • Why is hope needed?

      • The road to reintegration is full of challenges, and the key to successful reintegration is stable housing. Housing provides not just shelter; it is integral for survival and growth in our society. Not having housing impacts one's ability to drive, to get a job, and rest. 

      • With the requirements of background checks of criminal and financial records to screening the eligibility to lease. Returning citizens are at a huge disadvantage. 

      • The stigma that is attached to returning citizens is compounded by the laws and stereotypes that are perpetuated by the media. When in fact the majority of citizens returning to society are dedicated to reintegrating into communities and being a contribution. 

    • Renting Possibility Program

      • A program for Landlords and homeowners looking to build a stable rental business. As rental providers, the need is to have stable rent coming in and the property looked after. With Housing Hope, owners can be rest assured that the property will bring fair market value and be cared for. The tenants  will be screened by TARPs highly qualified reintegration specialists. The specialists follow the Standards set by the board of directors and Real estate rental advisors. 

      • We solve this problem of housing instability within the returning citizen community by teaming up with philanthropic housing providers who are looking to provide affordable housing at market rates to a group of hand selected and personally vetted returned citizens who have gone through Housing Hope’s selection process and have community sponsors.  Our housing board has training in trauma informed reentry practices and years of experience with the penal system. This allows our organization to provide insurance to these “Land Angels” about who is going into their property. In addition, Housing hope provides ongoing programs inside the home that give our returned citizens the skills, training and emotional intelligence to succeed in today’s fast paced world. Skilled Mentors, Productivity Programs, and an exhaustive vetting process make up the formula for successful reentry.

  • Reentry challenges are multifaceted and systemic, making reintegration into society particularly difficult for individuals with felony convictions. Key challenges include:

    1. Barriers to finding housing:

    • Background Checks: Automated systems flag felony charges, leading to widespread rental application rejections.

    • Lack of Stable Housing: Without a home address, individuals face compounded issues, such as difficulty finding employment, maintaining consistent communication, and meeting parole requirements.

    • Shelters and Halfway Houses: Often the only available housing option, these environments can be unsafe, with exposure to drugs, violence, and poor living conditions, which may jeopardize recovery or stability.

    2. Employment Obstacles:

    • Discrimination: Employers are often hesitant to hire individuals with felony records due to stigma and liability concerns.

    • Skill Gaps: Many returning citizens lack up-to-date skills, certifications, or education needed for modern jobs.

    • Legal Restrictions: Some professions are legally off-limits for individuals with criminal records, further narrowing opportunities.

    3. Financial Hardships:

    • Lack of Immediate Income: Returning citizens often leave prison without sufficient funds or support systems.

    • Banking Barriers: Opening a bank account or accessing financial services can be challenging without a permanent address or proper identification.

    • Debt Burden: Many face fines, fees, or restitution payments, creating financial stress.

    4. Social Reintegration Challenges:

    • Stigma and Isolation: Societal judgment can lead to feelings of shame, rejection, and reduced self-esteem.

    • Family Strain: Relationships with family and friends may be fractured or strained due to time apart or mistrust.

    • Community Support: Access to mentoring, peer support, and community-based services is often limited or inconsistent.

    5. Mental and Physical Health Issues:

    • Substance Abuse: Returning citizens may struggle with addiction, which can be exacerbated by stressful environments like shelters.

    • Mental Health Needs: PTSD, depression, or anxiety often remain untreated due to limited access to mental health services.

    • Healthcare Access: Lack of insurance or resources can make it difficult to address medical needs.

    6. Legal and Parole Compliance:

    • Parole Requirements: Individuals are required to meet strict conditions (e.g., regular check-ins, employment, curfews), which are difficult to adhere to without stability.

    • Technical Violations: Missing a parole meeting or being in the wrong location can lead to re-incarceration, regardless of intent or mitigating circumstances.

    7. Systemic Barriers:

    • Criminal Records: Felony records create long-term barriers to voting, securing loans, and even participating in some community programs.

    • Policy Gaps: Reentry programs are often underfunded, fragmented, or ill-equipped to address the complexity of returning citizens’ needs.

    • Transportation Issues: Limited access to reliable transportation further restricts opportunities for work, housing, and community services.

    8. Safety Concerns:

    • Environment Risks: Returning to the same community where criminal activity occurred can lead to exposure to old influences and heightened risks of recidivism.

    • Violence: Shelters and transitional housing can be dangerous, with exposure to gangs, drugs, or abuse.

    Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort among policymakers, community organizations, and support networks to provide stable housing, employment opportunities, mental health care, and mentorship for returning citizens.