Helping to provide returning citizens with sufficient housing comes with its own set of difficulties.

 

Housing does not come easily to individuals on probation or with a criminal record, according to Mulvey.

 

“It’s hard oftentimes to get into public housing on probation,” Mulvey said. “You’re not eligible for public housing if you’re on probation for certain crimes.”

 

Crimes such as sex offenses, drug trafficking, violent crimes and various types of fraud can disqualify offenders from benefiting from Section 8 housing, or rental housing assistance. States also have their own rules regarding housing for individuals with criminal records that include more disqualifying crimes.

 

Not only is public housing limited for individuals in general, it is also hard for returning citizens to apply for and receive housing.

 

“There’s just a lack of available housing where people want to take in somebody with a criminal record,” Mulvey said.

 

These difficulties become amplified when individuals re-enter society without having previous sufficient treatment for their mental health issues. Without receiving stable housing, these individuals can end up homeless and vulnerable to returning to jails or prisons. 

 

By providing inmates with access to stable housing upon release, correctional facilities can lower recidivism rates and offer more hope to returning citizens with mental illnesses.