Reentry Planning
Housing After Prison: Navigating the Transition
Stable housing is the foundation for successful reentry. Research consistently shows that housing security is one of the strongest predictors of whether someone successfully reintegrates after prison. This guide explains the challenges, options, and strategies for securing housing.
The Housing Challenge
Finding housing with a federal conviction is one of the biggest challenges returning citizens face. Barriers include:
- Background checks: Most landlords check criminal history and many reject applicants with felonies
- Credit impact: Financial problems during incarceration (unpaid bills, judgments) damage credit
- Income requirements: Without employment history, meeting income verification is difficult
- Deposit requirements: Saving for deposits while in custody is challenging
- Discrimination: Despite fair housing laws, bias against formerly incarcerated people is common
Housing Options After Federal Prison
Family Housing
The most common option is returning to live with family. This provides stability but requires honest conversations about expectations, duration, and household contributions. Family housing must be verified and approved by probation.
Residential Reentry Centers (Halfway Houses)
Many federal inmates transition through RRCs before full release. These facilities provide structure, employment requirements, and graduated freedom. While not permanent housing, they provide time to save money and search for housing.
Transitional Housing Programs
Many nonprofit organizations operate transitional housing specifically for people leaving incarceration. These programs often include supportive services like job training, counseling, and life skills education.
Sober Living Homes
If substance abuse was a factor in your case, sober living homes provide structured, substance-free environments. These may be required by supervision conditions. They offer accountability and peer support during early recovery.
Private Rentals
Some private landlords are willing to rent to people with criminal records, especially individual property owners (versus large management companies). Strategies for success include offering larger deposits, providing character references, and being upfront about your situation.
Strategies for Securing Housing
- Start planning early: Begin housing research while still incarcerated
- Be honest: Disclosing your background upfront is better than being discovered later
- Prepare a letter: Explain your circumstances, what you've learned, and your plans
- Gather references: Letters from employers, program coordinators, or community members
- Consider co-signers: A family member with good credit can strengthen applications
- Look for "second chance" landlords: Some property owners specifically work with returning citizens
- Connect with reentry organizations: Many maintain lists of friendly landlords
- Know your rights: Fair housing laws provide some protections against discrimination
Housing and Supervision
Your housing must be approved by your probation officer. Considerations include:
- Address must be verified before you can move in
- Other residents will be informed you're under supervision
- Location restrictions may apply (distance from schools, victims, co-defendants)
- Computer and internet access may need approval
- Changes in housing require advance approval
Resources for Housing Assistance
Many organizations help returning citizens find housing:
- Reentry organizations in your release area
- Religious organizations (Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, etc.)
- State and local reentry councils
- Legal aid organizations (for housing discrimination)
- Homeless services agencies (emergency assistance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can felons get approved for apartments?
Yes, though it can be challenging. Many landlords conduct background checks, but some are willing to rent to people with criminal records, especially with stable income and references.
What housing options exist for people leaving federal prison?
Options include family housing, halfway houses, transitional housing programs, sober living homes, reentry housing programs, and private rentals from accepting landlords.
Can I get public housing with a federal conviction?
It depends on your offense. Some offenses are permanent bars, but for most, local housing authorities have discretion and consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
How Sam Can Help
Housing planning is a critical component of release preparation. Sam Mangel helps clients develop realistic housing plans that satisfy supervision requirements.
- Release Planning: Developing comprehensive plans that include verified housing
- Family Coordination: Facilitating conversations with family about housing arrangements
- Resource Connection: Connecting clients with appropriate housing resources
- Documentation: Ensuring housing meets probation requirements
Plan for Stable Housing
Housing is the foundation for everything else. Contact Sam to develop a plan that sets you up for success.