There is no doubt, a felony record can plague someone for a lifetime. As time passes, felons are finding the government more accommodating with housing vouchers and grants. So, what are the available housing grants for felons?
Felons fresh out of prison are more often than not down on their luck. Money is tight, making housing seem far out of reach.
Fortunately, there are government programs that cater to the housing needs of felons. There is no need to fret over a place to live out of prison when government housing grants are at your disposal.
Are All Felony Offenses Treated The Same?
No, some felony offenses can instantly be disqualifying. Violent crimes, such as murder, sexual assault, crimes involving children, manslaughter, arson, aggravated stalking, and sexual battery are grounds for disqualification.
Theft, public intoxication, bribery, counterfeiting, and embezzlement are not always disqualifying. These white-collar crimes should not prevent a felon from getting approved for Section 9 HUD housing.
The government has a duty to protect the public from violent criminals. Prohibiting them from living in government housing is just one example. People with felony criminal records cannot expect to receive the same treatment as an applicant with no criminal record.
The felony conviction must date back at least five years to qualify for a government housing grant.
Available Housing Grants For Felons in 2024
When you are released from prison, you’re going to know that your felony status will have a tremendous impact on your life. You’re going to struggle to find employment and a suitable rental.
The combination means you may have difficulty paying for a good apartment in a safe neighborhood. If you don’t want to settle for less, you should consider taking advantage of housing grants.
Are there any housing grants for felons? Ultimately, some grants may be available to felons while others are not. It is vital to learn more about these opportunities.
Can Felons Get Housing Grants?
Felons often face more scrutiny when attempting to get jobs and apartments. Plus, they may not be eligible for all government benefits. Can a felon get a housing grant? In some cases, they will be able to obtain a housing grant. However, it should be noted that it depends on the type of grant they’re trying to get.
As a felon, certain housing grants are available to you. These grants can help you pay for affordable housing and home furnishings. Besides taking advantage of government grants, you’ll also want to look for grants from nonprofits.
The agencies providing these grants usually have someone you can speak to. Be sure to talk to them to learn more about the grants that are available to you.
Consider Halfway Houses
Being released from prison can be downright frightening. If you don’t have support on the outside, it’ll be even worse since you’ll have to stand on your own two feet.
When you have family, you can likely move in with one of them. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a way to integrate into society without being overwhelmed.
One way to do that is by taking advantage of halfway houses. Transitional homes or halfway houses are for felons waiting to be released so they can slowly enter society.
Some inmates are required to move to one of these temporary residents. If you cannot find a housing grant or suitable housing, a halfway house is a good alternative.
As a resident of a halfway house, you’ll have food, shelter, and protection. The staff will help ensure that you don’t end up on the streets or return to a life of crime. However, halfway houses aren’t right for everyone because they offer little freedom and privacy.
Nonprofits & Charities
You may be able to find grants and assistance from nonprofits and charities. These groups often receive grants from the government so they can help people in need.
Although it depends on the nonprofit, many of them are willing to help felons. There are many with Catholic Charities being one of the biggest in the United States.
The charity has provided assistance to people living in poverty for many years. Besides offering housing help, the charity also provides help finding jobs, paying for food, and covering healthcare costs. It is wise to take advantage of nonprofit options because they’ll give the felon more freedom and privacy.
Charities often provide more assistance than what you’ll get from governmental agencies. If you can’t benefit from housing grants for convicted felons, consider contacting local charities. They may be able to help.
Housing And Rental Assistance For Low-Income Felons
If the majority of today’s middle-class families need housing assistance, it only stands to reason that felons will need assistance. With the added scrutiny, felons will need even more assistance. Can felons take advantage of assistance programs or will their criminal records prevent them from doing so?
While there are various monetary assistance programs available, one has to meet the eligibility requirements first.
Taking Advantage Of Public Housing (HUD) Housing And Urban Development
One option for felons is public housing or HUD housing which is overseen by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since it is a federal program, the eligibility requirements are strict.
These programs are available to felons and non-felons so the spots can fill up quickly. Securing a specific apartment like a 2 or 3-bedroom might require waiting until one becomes available.
When it comes to HUD rentals, rental expenses can vary depending on the applicant’s current financial status. Available HUD properties can be found across the nation. Furthermore, they can be homes, apartments, and more.
Read Also: Suitable Housing For Felons In Florida
What Does It Take To Apply For HUD Assistance?
The federal government offers various low-assistance programs and these guidelines can vary from state to state or property to property. Your current financial status could play a role in determining the level of assistance you are granted.
The most important thing is ensuring that you meet all the guidelines. Federal assistance is not always tied to income, but assistance programs can sometimes depend on your status as a citizen. Believe it or not, qualifying as an illegal alien might increase your odds of assistance.
Federally Funded Section 8 Vouchers
Another federally funded low-income program is Section 8. Remember that you can obtain a Section 8 voucher even if you’re on a HUD waiting list.
Although offered by the federal agency to state institutions throughout the country, this program works a bit differently. Section 8 assistance is a program designed to work with various landlords.
The Section 8 voucher covers the majority of the rental expenses. Different levels of assistance are offered, but these vouchers usually cover anywhere from 70 to 80% of total rent expenses. Utility vouchers may also be available. These vouchers will help you cover your utility costs.
What Does It Take To Apply For Section 8 Vouchers?
Contacting your local housing agency is the most efficient way of learning more about Section 8 vouchers. If one does qualify and is granted assistance, they may then need to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher because not all landlords will accept them.
The eligibility requirements for Section 8 vouchers are much tougher. Due to the strict limitations, a lot of individuals with felon records are rejected.
Registered sex offenders as well as people caught making meth in federal housing or on federal grounds will be automatically disqualified.
To add to the strenuous eligibility requirements, each individual state or county can customize the requirements and criteria for Section 8 Vouchers.
Just as an example, one county in Dallas might not accept felons associated with any drug charges, whereas the next county over might be willing to consider drug-related felonies.
Overall
Certain housing grants may be available to felons. If you are a felon and need assistance paying your rent, it would be wise to get in touch with the appropriate agency in your area.
Even if you’re a felon, there is a good chance that assistance will be available to you. While HUD is the most likely solution, you may get assistance from local nonprofits as well.
Grants for felons for housing can help, but you shouldn’t ignore nonprofits since they often offer more generous benefits.