For Immediate Release
April 11, 2024
Contact:
Alex Staropoli, (914) 469-0060, alexstaropoli@fairsharehousing.org
Fair Share Housing Center Applauds HUD’s Advancement of New Rules to Remove Barriers to Housing for People with Prior Criminal Legal System Involvement
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published proposed changes to existing regulations that govern admission and termination decisions for individuals applying for or living in HUD Public and Indian Housing and Housing Programs. According to HUD, the proposed revisions are intended to minimize unnecessary exclusions from these programs while allowing providers to maintain the health, safety, and peaceful enjoyment of their residents, their staffs, and their communities. In response to the release of the proposed rule, Fair Share Housing Center issued the following statement.
Adam Gordon, Executive Director:
“Fair Share Housing Center applauds HUD for advancing housing justice with the release of proposed changes to these rules. We are especially grateful to former Secretary Fudge who championed this initiative during her tenure. For too long, individuals with prior criminal legal system involvement have faced arbitrary barriers to housing that harm not only the individual, but also their family and community as a whole. Housing is a lifeline, and making sure people can access housing at their most vulnerable should be a top priority. While we are still reviewing the proposed changes, we are hopeful that HUD has already considered and incorporated feedback from both individuals with lived experience and practitioners in crafting the proposal. We look forward to working with HUD to create a fairer and more just process for all individuals in public and HUD assisted housing.”
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Fair Share Housing Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization that uses legal, policy, and community-building strategies to dismantle decades of racial and economic discrimination in New Jersey and nationally that excludes people from the opportunity to live in safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
