Additional photos available here (credit: Fair Chance for Housing Campaign)
Livestream recording here
JULY 19, 2023 (NEW YORK, NY) – This morning, formerly incarcerated people, City Council Members, and allies gathered at Foley Square for a “Speak Out” against housing discrimination and called on the New York City Council to pass the Fair Chance for Housing act immediately.
Dozens of people stood together in Foley Square and shared facts about themselves; some said they love their dogs, others shared that they like to dance and bake. They held signs that said, “People with convictions look like us” and “My community is not more dangerous because I live there.”
“The stability and dignity that comes with having a place to call home is crucial to allowing formerly incarcerated people to move past the criminal justice system,” said City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers. “Housing is foundational to so many facets of one’s life, from community ties to holding down a job, and we must act to end housing discrimination. Everyone deserves equal access to a home.”
“The Fair Chance for Housing Act will allow New Yorkers with conviction histories to establish ties with the community, obtain stable housing, and continue contributing to society,” said Eddie Gibbs, Assemblymember for District 68. “I wholeheartedly believe the 750,000 people in New York City who have conviction histories deserve an equal opportunity to access housing. An individual’s conviction history doesn't solely affect them. It can affect their family as well and lead to a never ending cycle of instability. I urge New York to support this legislation. Let’s build bridges to help New Yorkers get back on their feet.”
“Your past should not define your future or bar you from living in dignified and affordable housing,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “Housing is not an incentive, it is a human right and a vital aspect of the restorative justice process. Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers deserve a fair process in building a new life and securing a home. The Fair Chance for Housing Act alleviates an already difficult process while working towards our goal of securing permanent housing for all New Yorkers, especially for the disproportionate numbers of formerly incarcerated people of color. This is long overdue, but I am glad we are taking a step forward and bringing some dignity back into the lives of those who want to change their trajectory and start a journey of healing.”
“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and the stability of a home, no matter their conviction record. The Fortune Society and Fair Chance for Housing Coalition are fighting to level the playing field and end discrimination when it comes to finding housing and protecting the dignity of New Yorkers. We need to pass this urgent legislation,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.
"Without a stable income and permanent address, it is much harder to find secure employment, healthcare, or educational programs," said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. "This keeps New Yorkers trapped in a cycle of incarceration and criminalization. Last year's NYC Speaks survey, the largest poll in this city's history, found that New Yorkers' top priority for enhancing public safety is housing. Let's do right by New Yorkers and the public safety outcomes they need and deserve: pass the Fair Chance Act."
"Every human being deserves a roof over their head and a bed to sleep on. A criminal background check does not define a person’s ability to be a good, responsible, safe tenant. We should focus on providing safe, well-maintained homes for all, not pushing more people into the streets. The Fair Chance for Housing Act addresses one of the most glaring forms of housing discrimination,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
"Our City's long history of over-policing communities of color means that New Yorkers with convictions are overwhelmingly Black and brown," said Juanita O. Lewis, Executive Director of Community Voices Heard. "As a result, people of color are disproportionately impacted by conviction-based housing discrimination. Without fair access to housing, it's exponentially harder for people to move on with their lives. If we ever hope to truly end racial discrimination in housing, our City Council members must act now to pass the Fair Chance for Housing Act and ensure that people with convictions are not locked out of housing forever."
“At the Fortune Society we know firsthand, from providing housing for over twenty years, that people with convictions can be excellent neighbors and assets to our communities,” said Andre Ward, Associate Vice President of Public Policy at the Fortune Society. “We also know that having a safe and stable place to live is crucial for people who are trying to transform and rebuild their lives. Without that secure foundation, people struggle even harder to find employment, pursue education, regain custody of their children, attend to their health, and access other services they need. Housing discrimination against people with convictions is counter-productive, destabilizing, and unjust. That is why the Fortune Society calls for passage of the Fair Chance for Housing Act.”
“It is so sad to see how many New Yorkers face housing discrimination daily. People with conviction histories are perpetually punished, making their families more likely to experience intergenerational homelessness. We must break this cycle of poverty, and provide families the opportunity to flourish in their homes and communities. Fair Chance for Housing is smart legislation that should be passed immediately. Be on the right side of justice and help end housing discrimination,” said Kandra Clark, VP of Policy & Strategy with Exodus Transitional Community.
“We must address the housing crisis for New Yorkers with a conviction history, who experience sanctioned discrimination at alarming rates,” said Archana Jayaram, President and CEO of Osborne Association. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live. Until landlords are prevented from screening out applicants who otherwise meet income and other qualifications, people with arrest or conviction records and their families will continue to be denied this fundamental right. This is a moral issue, a racial justice issue, and a public safety issue, since housing is the best predictor of success coming home from incarceration. We must pass Intro 632, the Fair Chance for Housing bill in New York City.”
In NYC, 750,000 people have a conviction record — that’s almost 11% of the adult population. We stand together as parents, employees, and neighbors, and call on the NYC Council to end housing discrimination against people with convictions now.
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The Fair Chance for Housing Campaign is a coalition of advocates, legal services, human service providers, and people who have experienced housing discrimination. We believe that housing is a human right, and allowing everyone equal access to stable housing strengthens our communities, and makes us all safer.
We are working to pass The Fair Chance for Housing Act in New York City Council to protect people with conviction records from housing discrimination. A conviction has an end date, shouldn’t the punishment?
