A New Beginning—Part 2
The Struggle to Find a Home
Marcus’s next hurdle was to find a place to live. He knew that his criminal record would make it challenging, but he was determined to find a stable home.
He started by searching online at apartments.com, looking for affordable rentals in his area. However, many landlords conducted background checks and rejected applicants with felony convictions. Marcus felt disheartened as he faced rejection.
Undeterred, Marcus looked into the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8. This federal program connects individuals with public housing and helps pay for rent. He wasn’t sure this was the right option for him though and wanted to know what else was available. Click here to learn more about this program, your eligibility, and the application process.
Transitional Housing: A Steppingstone
As Marcus continued his search, he discovered transitional housing, also known as “halfway houses”. These structured group living arrangements were often a good fit for individuals struggling with substance use. Marcus had worked hard during his incarceration to overcome his addiction and stay clean, so he decided to explore this option further.
He visited georeentryconnect.com/resources and found a list of transitional housing providers in his area. Marcus reached out to a few and was relieved to find that they were willing to work with him despite his criminal record. The staff at these facilities understand the challenges of reentry and are committed to helping individuals get back on their feet, but it took a little time to get approved.
Shelter Housing: A Temporary Solution
In the meantime, Marcus needed a place to stay immediately. He turned to shelter housing, which offers temporary accommodation for many individuals.
Click here to find a local shelter near you.
The shelter staff welcomed Marcus and provided him with a bed, meals, and access to essential services. They also connected him with a case manager who helped him navigate the complex process of finding more permanent housing.
Location, Transportation, and Amenities
As Marcus explored his housing options, he kept in mind the importance of location. He wanted to find a place that was close to potential job opportunities and had good public transportation options. He also looked for areas with essential amenities like grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and community resources.
With the help of his case manager and the resources from GEO Reentry Connect, Marcus was able to find a transitional housing program that met his needs. It was located near a bus stop, had a grocery store within walking distance, and offered on-site support services. Although it wasn’t the permanent solution he was initially hoping for, Marcus knew that the transitional housing would provide him with a stable foundation to build upon. He was grateful for the opportunity to have a roof over his head and the support he needed to continue his reentry transition.
Resources to Find Affordable Housing
- Rental Assistance | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Find Affordable Housing | Homes and Community Renewal
- Rental assistance | USAGov
- Employer-assisted housing programs | Local Housing Solutions
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