"Working to
Build A Better Community"
"The
probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not deter us from the
support of a cause we believe to be just."
~ Abraham Lincoln
EX-OFFENDER HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
THE BIG PICTURE: REALITY IN THE U.S.
THE REALITY IN MASSACHUSETTS
THE LAW IN MASSACHUSETTS
Types of Housing and CORI
Admissions and Appeals
Application
of the Law
COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN
MASSACHUSETTS
PROGRAMS IN OTHER
STATES
The Law in Massachusetts
 |
| Massachusetts State House, Boston |
In order to understand the ability of ex-offenders to gain access to much needed housing, it is necessary to understand what types of affordable housing opportunities exist. These opportunities are mitigated by admissions requirements that call for a consideration of an ex-offender’s criminal record in determining that individual’s qualification for tenancy.
Sections below illustrate the following:
- The types of affordable public housing that
exist in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Criminal Record Information (CORI)
law, which gives public housing authorities (PHA) and others access
to criminal records in making application decisions.
- State and federal regulations that specify admissions
procedures and screening requirements for criminal background checks.
- State and federal regulations that specify the appeals process for applicants that are denied housing because of a criminal record.
*The information below addresses lessons learned about how different public housing authorities and private landlords with subsidized units apply their discretion in admissions decisions.
To review the Massachusetts
General Laws, please
click here.