Finding safe, affordable housing in New York is a challenge for anyone, but it's particularly difficult for individuals returning from jail or prison - often exactly the people most in need of stable housing. The first resource on this page provides an overview of the reentry housing landscape in New York City; the second provides an overview to legal consequences of arrest and conviction in public and private housing. Further resources walk clients and advocates through the process of applying for public housing and explain housing rights of people with physical and psychiatric disabilities.

Resources

Needle in a Haystack: Reentry & Housing in NYC

Presentation prepared for "On The Front Lines" conference, March 2010, by Corporation for Supportive Housing, Center for Urban & Community Services, and Community Service Society.

Housing, Benefits and Certificates of Relief from Disabilities/Good Conduct

Presentation prepared for "On The Front Lines" conference, March 2010, by the Legal Aid Society and the Legal Action Center on legal barriers to maintaining or securing housing after arrest or conviction.

How to Get Public Housing & Section 8 - Even With a Criminal Record (Legal Action Center)

A guide for New York City Housing Authority applicants and their advocates.

Certificates to Demonstrate Rehabilitation: Why They Are So Important and How to Get Them (The Bronx Defenders)

Information from the Bronx Defenders on how to get certificates demonstrating rehabilitation.

Publications on Fair Housing for People with Disabilities (Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law)

Link to a popular booklet explaining in plain language how three federal laws protect the housing rights of people with mental or physical disabilities.

[Library Folder] Housing & Shelter folder on Reentry Net