Launching "Fair Chance Housing," for housing rights after a conviction.
ACLC is announcing our new program: Fair Chance Housing, supporting housing rights for people with a conviction history.
The Issues
Nearly one-third of the adult working age population in the U.S. has a criminal record. That is roughly the same number of that have four-year college degrees.
It is immensely difficult to rent an apartment in Austin for a person with a conviction history. A report from the Austin/Travis County Reentry Roundtable, gathered data by surveying apartment complexes, and found:
At least half deny applications from people with any kind of felony conviction.
Almost a quarter will reject an applicable because an arrest history alone, even if charges were later dismissed.
Families with these rental barriers are often pay pay higher rent for worse conditions; have greater reason to fear retaliation from landlords if they express their rights; and are more likely to live further from jobs and good schools.
The Solutions
Mass outreach and education about renters’ rights under the Fair Housing Act.
Legal clinics and impact litigation to enforce legal rights.
Organizing renters to civic engagement and exercising collective power.
Join Now to Support Fair Chance Housing
Support this program by becoming a $10/month sustaining member as a Friend of the Austin Community Law Center.
We are a community organization. We do the work that matters to you. Your support makes it possible.
You also get direct benefits as a member, including fixed rate legal fees and the chance to help us set our priorities going forward.
