HUD, DOJ Seek to Ease Transition from Prison and Expand Housing Opportunities

As part of President Obama’s efforts to promote rehabilitation and reintegration for the formerly incarcerated, HUD and the Department of Justice recently announced $1.7 million for public housing authorities to aid eligible public housing residents who are under the age of 24 to expunge or seal their records in accordance with their applicable state laws. The Juvenile Re-entry Assistance Program (JRAP) specifically excludes makers of meth on public housing property, sex offenders, or those convicted of domestic violence.

Additionally, HUD announced updated public housing arrests guidance to public housing authorities regarding the use of arrests in determining who can live in HUD-assisted properties. The guidance outlines that arrest records may not be the basis for denying admission, terminating assistance, or evicting tenants; and reiterates that HUD does not require public housing authorities and owners to adopt “One Strike” policies, and includes best practices and models of success from PHAs across the nation.