Public Housing Access Bill (HB 206)

Housing is a critical need, especially during a pandemic. This is even more true for people returning from incarceration who are 10 times more likely to be homeless. Individuals with a criminal record encounter many barriers to obtaining public and private housing. Underlying the housing crisis is the fact that people released from incarceration are competing for housing with the millions of families who are currently living below the federal poverty level. As a result, people are locked out of public housing at a time when they are most in need. 

There are more than 100 Public Housing Authorities in Illinois. Currently, each Public Housing Authority sets their own—and often widely differing—admissions criteria especially for people with criminal records. For example, some housing authorities deny housing for a misdemeanor conviction or an arrest even if it did not result in a conviction. Accordingly, people are unable to reunite with their families after incarceration because they would place their families at risk of eviction if the housing authority enforces its restrictions. Moreover, because the criminal legal system is disproportionately populated by Black and Brown people, there are significant racial inequities in the people who are denied access to public housing. 

As part of the Restoring Rights and Opportunities Coalition of Illinois (RROCI), we are advocating for HB 206 to improve equity and access to public housing. The Public Housing Access Bill creates standards for Illinois Public Housing Authorities to use in the criminal background screening process. This bill removes the wait period after being released from incarceration and limits the criminal record history that can be considered by Public Housing Authorities. 

In this Christmas season, we are reminded of God coming into our lives. Jesus was born in a manger and rested in a feeding-trough because everywhere else was full. Individuals who are returning from incarceration are also finding that everywhere else is full. 

But we can make room. 

Housing is a stabilizing force and a critical component for a successful reentry. Eliminating barriers to housing will have a resounding effect on people returning home. It will decrease their risk of homelessness, and lessen their risk of contracting COVID-19 because of housing instability. Improving access to housing would also benefit the 55% of Illinois adults living with a criminal record. 

We urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Public Housing Access Bill when they return to Springfield in the New Year. Take action now and urge your legislators to increase access to housing by supporting HB 206.

RROCI is a coalition of directly impacted community leaders, organizers, and policy advocates from Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Community Renewal Society, and Heartland Alliance.