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Property Managers

For many former felons, walking away from prison does not mean the punishment is over. On this side of the fence they are faced with overwhelming challenges like: finding employment, securing housing, paying restitution or fines, restoring and developing relationships, and maintaining self-confidence and a positive outlook.

Housing is one of the most critical components to helping prisoners reintegrate into society. If ex-felons have a secure space to call home, the likelihood that they will re-offend diminishes exponentially. You have the opportunity to help to create one of the first and most stable bridges between the prison cell and community.

We’ve located some information to support property managers in this important work and have listed our findings below. We will continue to pay particular attention to this area as the opportunities will likely change in support of the returning prison population.

We also encourage property managers to ask former felon applicants to share more information through our Personal Web Page. We offer this area for folks to more fully reveal their character than may be available on a standard rental application.

Formerly incarcerated people are among the most marginalized and stigmatized people in our society. If we don’t give them a chance to succeed, they will be more likely to re-offend, return to prison and again become a tax burden rather than an asset.

HUD - Homeless and Housing Programs

The links below provide overviews of HUD homeless and housing programs. Currently, HUD manages seven programs that directlycombat homelessness. HUD also coordinates with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs on two other programs (BRAC and HUD-VASH).

In addition to these "targeted" programs, HUD also funds "mainstream" programs that can provide additional assistance to persons who are homeless. As contrasted with targeted programs, HUD's mainstream programs are not meant to exclusively serve homeless households. However, they are programs for which homeless persons are generally eligiblebecause of their low-income or disability status.

HUD Programs

To see our Brochure and our Culture Shock page click on these links

Brochure

Culture Shock

About the Personal Web Page

 

Click image to see a PWP! Password = free

Our Personal Web Page provides an opportunity for former felon applicants to disclose information that reveals more of their character than can be shown on a basic application. They can list skills, education (even outside of conventional classroom settings) and extended work history. They can also list interests, accomplishments, hobbies, certificates, and documents.

 

A Personal Web Page allows property managers to learn more about an applicant before the interview, and provides an opportunity to make a personal connection in a non-threatening way.


Targeted Programs

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Continuum of Care Programs

Formula Programs

Other Programs


Mainstream Programs

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Section 8 Housing Voucher Program

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http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/about

 

Requirements:
*Your rental must meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) -they will send an agent to inspect - and you must make the recommended changes. To find out what these standards are, follow this link: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/guidebooks/7420.10G/7420g10GUID.pdf.

*Your rental must be at the Fair Market Rent (FMR) which is determined by HUD. To get an assessment or see hypothetical instances of FMR, click on this link: http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/fmr.html


What else can you do?

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Look for programs in your area that offer "Master Leasing" or "Sponsor Leasing". They will usually cover half to two thirds of a tenant's rent, making them a guarantee for at least part of their rent
HUD offers support in this area as well: http://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=viewSpcResourceManSec1-2


Why would anyone choose to rent to an ex-prisoner?

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  • A large available pool of potential renters. The waiting list for new Section 8 tenants is usually about three years long.
  • Prompt regular payments from the Public Housing Authority for its share of the rent (70%or more),
  • Perceived higher quality of tenants, since tenants stand to lose Section 8 vouchers permanently if they damage the rental unit or fail to pay their share of the rent.

Remember, you can make an important difference in your community, your state and our country.