Being able to have a fresh start after being released from prison and becoming a returning citizen should be an amazing feeling. People should be able to be hopeful about finding a new job, seeing family, and, most importantly, feeling comfortable in their home as they adjust to life outside the cell. However, that isn’t the case for many formerly incarcerated individuals. The reality is that most formerly incarcerated individuals face the major barrier of housing instability.
There is a national shortage of 7.3 million rental units affordable and available to low-income households. This difficult market makes an even more challenging starting point for those who are released from prison and seeking housing. In 2020, one in five U.S. households experienced housing insecurity, and the nightly shelter count of homeless people in 2021 was 326,000. I know that, for formerly incarcerated people, that number is high as well. In fact, studies show that formerly incarcerated people are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless. I also know that in 2024 that number increased, and it will continue to increase.
Despite individuals being given a second chance, their criminal record and past may continue to impact how their worth is judged by others. From housing application rejections to experiences of landlords not giving grace—are the barriers to accessing private market or assisted housing really allowing for a fresh start for formerly incarcerated people?
Black, Brown, and Poor Communities
Formerly incarcerated individuals may go ‘home’ to low-income communities that are experiencing a wide range of issues in addition to the lack of access to affordable housing. Communities may be experiencing increases in violence as well as major gaps in resources. These barriers are even greater in Black, Brown, and poor communities.
The discriminatory impact of the criminal legal system on Black communities and other communities of color has disproportionately burdened members of those communities with criminal records. The history of discriminatory practices and racism in the housing market has further led to disproportionate representation. This creates a repetitive cycle and also causes the returning individuals to be in such a tough position that they are more likely to interact with the criminal-legal system again. Black women experience the highest rate of sheltered homelessness—nearly four times the rate of white men, and twice as high as the rate of Black men. This pattern deepens the racial disparities many people are facing when released from prison. (Disparities also exist for those who have disabilities and those who are part of the queer community.)
What can we do to help this crisis?
The systemic problems found at the intersection of the housing crisis and the criminal legal system are gaining momentum and well-deserved attention.
I believe that community members, organizations, and lawmakers—along with directly impacted people—can collectively come together to create better solutions and systems.
I believe in shaping policy through advocacy and organizing.
One example of policy that I am eager to continue advocating for is increasing transparency within housing processes, requiring landlords to state clearly the criteria for rental requirements and limit arbitrary rejections.
Missouri also needs Clean Slate legislation and expanded expungement processes to reduce the stigma attached to housing applications.
Furthermore, additional transitional housing programs and greater advocacy and investment for short-term and affordable housing could support formerly incarcerated individuals until they can achieve stability. Our state deserves the opportunity to better close the affordable housing gap for all, including through strategies like boosting the Missouri Housing Trust Fund.
I know that strengthening community collaborations will continue to make a lasting difference in our state. Together we can educate the public, develop support networks, and work in partnership to eliminate housing barriers.
Empower Missouri’s 2025 Day of Action at the Missouri State Capitol will be an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of our policy priorities, including Clean Slate, the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, expanding school meal access, and more. We welcome you to join us to speak with legislators, attend hearings, build skills, and connect with other advocates.
Any community member passionate about housing, community justice, or food security is a voice we need in Jefferson City! Learn more and RSVP for Day of Action by clicking the button below.
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