Listings are displayed for all the 50 states. The For example, even though CRAs generally cannot report arrests older than 7 years if they dont result in convictions, a landlord can consider those arrests in making a decision about your application if it finds out about them another way (such as through a search of court records). Emergency shelters and services for men and women: Public Housing Authority contact information: 1 Bob Story, Wash. Dept. They provide a list of local resources based on the type of help needed. For example, if a landlord accepts your application, and you are a felon, but turns down the application of another applicant who is also a felon, then they can get into legal hot water for practicing arbitrary discrimination. The Resources section at the end of this chapter contains lists of transitional and felon-friendly housing providers, as well as contact information for emergency shelters. As a social enterprise, the organization provides individuals with a criminal history the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives. Transitional housing is generally a supportive service and may be bundled with other resources to help you overcome issues such as trauma, drug or alcohol addiction, or mental health concerns. Get started with a Library card and learn how to manage your account. In turn then, applicants can be turned down for housing if they have a poor credit history, have evictions or non-payments in their leasing history, or have been tried and convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. We are working to break the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and prison. Otherwise, you stand a good chance of being evicted or sued. Why Felons Are Denied Rentals in Washington and the US. And it must tell landlords that received the inaccurate report over the last two years that information has been deleted or corrected.35. That is because no laws exist in the US that offer felons a break in this respect. You can access the database at this website:www.consumeradvocates.org/by scrolling down to the Find an Attorney link. If you look professional, you also want to maintain a business-like demeanor. To apply, click here. It is possible that you will be homeless after you are released. How can violating the terms of my release affect my housing? We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Indigenous populations and communities, and strive to work with our Tribal partners to improve the lives of Indigenous People and non-Indigenous neighbors throughout the state. Internets most popular financial assistance resource for ex felons. Browse our jobs, find one you like, and get back to work today. They need to know how to create a lease contract and know what steps they need to take to evict a renter. It always helps to obtain your criminal history as the paperwork can be used to obtain transitional housing and assist you in the lease negotiation process. .. Residency requires an increased deposit WebWashington State Office of the Attorney General Residential Landlord-Tenant Resources Tenants Union of Washington, State Tenants Rights Hotline: 206-723-0500 Outside of King County: call the CLEAR Hotline at 1-888-201-1014, weekdays between 9:15 am - 12:15 pm If the landlord is planning to use a CRA, the name of the CRA, and that you are entitled to a free copy of the CRA report. After researching to assist a family member with finding work, Ron realized that the information he required wasnt reliable. Chapter 207 Release and Detention Pending Judicial Proceedings, 26 U.S.C. Maintain contact with the programs that are featured for the reentry listings for Washington. We also have transitional housing as well as a component targeting home detention. However, here is a list of things that the landlord may ask you about: There may also be a fee associated with the credit and/or rental background check, and if you get the apartment, you will probably have to pay a deposit. RCW 18.235.020 Application of chapterDirector's authorityDisciplinary authority. The religious community in Washington State can also help you in your employment or housing search. If, after this time, the CRA finds that the information it reported is wrong or if the CRA cannot verify its accuracy, it must delete the information or change it so that it is correct. When you are released into community custody, you will generally be returned to your county of origin.8Your county of origin is the county where you were first convicted of a felony in Washington. Can you help me find a nursing home in Washington State? 23 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions (April 4, 2016). What kinds of information will they find? The application process for Section 8 and public housing is determined by your PHA and will vary. All Rights Reserved, Other Helpful Resources for Felons in Washington, ACLU of Washingtons new Criminal Records Project, CSOSAs Transitional Intervention for Parole Supervision (TIPS), DC Central Kitchen Culinary Job Training Program, Transition from Prison to Community Initiative, Veterans Incarcerated Reintegration Project, How to get Felony off Record in Washington, Temp Agencies That Hire Felons in Washington, Work From Home Jobs For Felons: 7 Best Jobs For 2023. National Institute of Justice 5. Note that federal housing programs are very competitive, and wait times can be very long. Have a question? 38 https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/complaint-process. In most cases, your conviction will not have a major impact on where you can live. What types of crimes and related issues can I be evicted for? Due to a new law passed in 2017, landlords in Seattle may not require that you talk about your criminal history, may not ask about your criminal history and may not reject your application for housing because of your adult criminal history unless the landlord thinks there is reason to believe that you will be a danger to other tenants or to the property. There may also be a court order barring you from living in a certain place (for instance, if you were convicted of domestic violence, you may be barred from living with the person who brought charges against you).13, After your community custody is complete, your criminal record may create some barriers to your housing. In addition to the above grants for felons in Washington, there are other programs offered by local churches and non-profit organizations. The law allows people to sue employers or CRAs for certain violations, and to recover money for damage caused by the violation. Reach out to the local programs to see what is available. This chapter contains information on how to plan for your housing search before you are released, find affordable housing, and deal with your criminal history when you are applying for apartment rentals. Maintain Contact with the Programs Featured on the Reentry Listings for Washington. A list of shelters that provide wraparound or case management services is located in the Resources section at the end of this chapter. Noticing a need in the market, Ron wrote and self-published Jobs For Felons 1st Edition which has been shared at numerous inmate facilities and reentry programs across the nation. No attorney-client relationship is created by using any information in this guide. 1681i(a)(1)(A), (a)(4)-(5), (d)); RCW 19.182.090. How do I find out about my eviction record? The site enables you to locate an affordable property through low-income, governmentally funded programs, such as the HUD project-based subsidized program, the HUD tenant-based housing choice voucher program and similar low-income housing initiatives. Pathways to Employment 7. You are also not eligible if you were convicted of some drug crimes, like manufacturing meth.16Besides these rules, eligibility for Section 8 varies from place to place. When considering your application, they must consider specific facts about you and your particular conviction history, like the severity of your crime and how long ago it occurred. Federal housing programs are administered by local organizations called public housing authorities (PHA). Costs for medical care and childcare are included as well. If you are searching for a job or apartment, you need to show that you mean business. 10 Washington State Department of Corrections Policy No. Resources to help ex-offenders gain essential life skills for making the right choices in life. WebWith the options listed below, felons should be able to find housing assistance to help get them on their feet. Training program after they pass through a rigorous intake procedure that evaluates their readiness for our services, their commitment to beginning a new career, and the nature of their prior offenses (we do not admit anyone with a history of crimes against children). 35 15 U.S.C. Individuals who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol are ineligible for federally assisted housing, as are people who were evicted from federally assisted housing for drug crimes in the past three years.14. Assembled by Washington Appleseed They work with ex-offenders to get them ready for their transition back into society. An emergency housing facility will generally provide you with basic necessities, such as a place to sleep, shower, or do laundry, but is not an apartment or home where you can expect to stay for more than a few nights. Some felons may have to participate in a work program to receive the grant. The National Association of Consumer Advocates maintains a database of consumer lawyers in every state that deal with these types of cases. www.compasshousingalliance.org Walla Walla, WA 99362 Webrelease services for state and local (not federal) inmates who will receive post-release services from the Labor grantees. What do I say about sealed or vacated cases? 4 Washington State Department of Corrections Policy No. To inquire about this program you may visit here or call (360) 577-3118. To learn more about the HUD programs in Washington or to apply, click here. There is also income and asset limitations that have to be met in order to qualify for the cash grant. 41 www.myrentalhistoryreport.com/blog/your-prior-rental-history-and-renting/how-long-does-your-rental-history-stay-with-you/. If you live in Seattle, you have even more protection: under a new law, landlords may not require that you talk about your criminal history at all, and may not reject your application for housing because of your adult criminal history unless they think there is a reason to believe you will be a danger to other tenants or to the property. You should contact your local Housing Authority to get a clear picture of what the eligibility requirements are.17The government doesnotprovide you with an apartment or other housing directly; rather, if you are accepted to the Section 8 program you are responsible for finding your own apartment or other housing that meets the requirements of the program. If you dont want to feel overly frustrated during your search for an apartment, then dont try to rent an apartment in a large apartment complex. If you are homeless and need somewhere to sleep tonight, you can get help by calling 211 on your phone. Finding a safe and stable place to live is one of the most important elements of your transition from prison back into the community. HUD eligibility is based on your income, the size and composition of your household and your citizenship status. Once you have requested that a CRA correct information from your background report, then, within 30 days, it must perform an investigation (including consideration of the information that you submitted). Chapter 34.05 Administrative Procedure Act, House Bill (HB) Report 1399 An act relating to reducing barriers to professional licensure for individuals with previous criminal convictions, WAC 137-56 Community Residential Programs, Work/Training Release, 2019 Executive Order 16-05 Report: Corporate Outreach Plan, Graduated Reentry - Families, Sponsors, and Stakeholders, Opportunity for Supervision Reform and Reentry, Tribal Resource Directory for American Indian and Alaska Natives, Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity, Department of Social and Health Services Office Locator, Social Security: Entering the Community After Incarceration, Washington Connection: Your Link to Services, Washington Reentry Guide from Washington Appleseed, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), What You Need to Know About Felons and Firearms, Sustainability & Environmental Performance, Copyright 2023 Washington State Department of Corrections. You should also give the CRA the correct information, with document backup if possible. In most cases, you will be released to the county where you were first convicted of a felony in Washington (this is called your county of origin ). In most cases, your conviction will not have a major impact on where you can live. What government housing programs exist for lower-income individuals and families? Our website is the #1 resource on the internet to help former felons get employed again. Finally, a reasonable time period after contacting the CRA, you should follow up with the CRA to make sure that the correct information is being used.34. 2-1-1 Specific needs can be addressed by visiting this site or by calling 2-1-1 from any phone. All rights reserved 2018. By mail to: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission. The Criminal Records Project provides direct legal services to people facing barriers to housing and employment based on criminal records. Stick to a schedule as you look for a job and/or apartment. N.Y. 1988], 16-05 Building Safe and Strong Communities through Successful Reentry. To qualify for this program, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for. Felons who are already receiving Food Benefits or another grant may immediately qualify for the free phone. But there is a good chance that the landlord will find out about it. You can reach Library staff by chat, email or phone during open hours. PO Box 159 https://irmagary.files.wordpresscom/2011/11/9_27_16_nc_shelterapplication.pdf. How do I remove or change incorrect information in a background check? Private landlords may also have restrictions on who they accept, though their ability to discriminate is limited by the Fair Housing Act. If you are flexible on where you can live, you may wish to apply to multiple PHAs. Your local PHA will determine any additional eligibility criteria and other rules for these programs in your area. How Do I ? Reentry Education Tool Kit 9 If the situation is not resolved after talking to the landlord and the CRA, you should contact CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 to seek legal advice.31. This project assists resource for ex felons. Learn how you can get your rights back as a felon. You should explain what part of the report is wrong, highlighting or otherwise marking that part of the report on a copy. Where will I be released? .. Approved with conditions: There is a big difference between what a CRA can report about you versus what information a landlord can use when making rental decisions. Am I entitled to know why the landlord denies me? The Program is short-term (months not years) with the expectation that participants are actively conducting a job search. Additionally, if you abuse drugs or alcohol or have a drug conviction, you may not be eligible for federal housing programs. HUD will not work with you if you have been charged with the making and selling of methamphetamine or were convicted of a sex offense. If you are denied housing because of an incorrect background check, you may be able to challenge it. While we have attempted to provide the most current information possible, laws change frequently and the information in this publication may not always be up to date. WebEmergency housing is short-term accommodation, such as a shelter or hostel, for people who are in crisis (for instance, people who are homeless or escaping abuse). 36 RCW 59.18.257(1(a)(iii), Becky Turner, supra. Should I give more information than the landlord asks for? If your income is extremely low, you may be able to acquire HUD housing for free. You cannot have more than $6,000 worth of resources, not including your vehicle. If you have a question or need help, Ask Us or call 206-386-4636. Most programs do not have a strict qualification requirement. Property managers in Washington and the rest of the US, who refuse to rent to an applicant because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, family status, sex or disability are discriminating illegally. Central Iowa Works CIW offers a lot of different programs such as job skill training. 613 S. 15th Street A landlord may also choose not to allow pets or smoking inside the building.27, Past drug addiction is considered a disability under fair housing laws, so a landlord cannot turn your rental application for this reason alone.28Although not required, a tenant may submit letters of support or certificates from drug rehabilitation programs, case managers, or other landlords. Property managers in Washington must follow the mandates established by federal anti-discrimination laws. Show that you are upfront and reliable and secure your criminal record before searching for a job or an apartment. There are both short and long term grant programs for felons in Washington. 931 Prohibition on purchase, ownership, or possession of body armor by violent felons, 18 U.S.C. Corrections is thankful to the Tribes for caring for these lands since time immemorial and honors its ongoing connection to these communities past, present and future. (Effective until April 1, 2018. Rejected .. Residency requires a qualified guarantor RCW 72.09.370 Offenders with mental illness who are believed to be dangerousPlan for post release treatment and support servicesRules. Unlike Section 8, if you live in public housing, your landlord is a housing authority or other government entity. ), RCW 72.78 Community Transition Coordination Networks. Can you help me find a nursing home in Because these programs are so competitive, you should not rely on your ability to get housing this way. Some shelters may also have additional restrictions for instance, some shelters may be only for women, or only for families with children, and some may have rules about drugs and alcohol. The housing program featured by HUD permits people to obtain housing in the form of an apartment, single-family dwelling, townhouse or mobile home based on a locales annual median income or AMI. With the help of grant programs, felons can get help having their basic needs met while they try to become more self-sufficient. However, that being said, not all felons can schedule an appointment with HUD. The housing agency pays a calculated subsidized amount, based on the applicants need, and the tenant covers the rest of the rental amount. The CRA also has to take reasonable steps to make sure that the incorrect information will not be included in background reports in the future. www.thestarproject.us/ This project assists people with vacating and sealing convictions under Washington law, and counsels individuals about whether denials of housing and employment comply with existing state and federal law. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) This program is federally funded and has a mission of ensuring everyone in the country has their housing needs met. Email:housing@p-h-s.com. How long does an eviction stay on my record? For instance, the King County Housing Authority only accepts Section 8 applications during specific time windows, and then holds a lottery to determine who will be added to the waiting list.20. Permanent housingis a house or apartment that you rent or own and can live in indefinitely (provided you pay your rent or mortgage and adhere to the provisions of your lease). 321 Wellington Avenue The fidelity bonds issued by the WBP function as an employer job-hire incentive. Most of them do not have strict requirements regarding who can receive the assistance. To apply, click here. DOC 350.200, Attachment 5, Offender Release Plan Procedure (Aug 8, 2010); RCW 9.94A.729(5)(d). There is not much you can do in this case, but you should review the background report to see if the information there is accurate. If the landlord is doing its own investigation, such as looking at court records or interviewing people that know you, then you do not have a right to know about it. Lifeline Felons who are having difficulty paying for their phone may qualify for a free one through the Lifeline program. Fair Housing Assistance Program 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410 T: 202-708-1112 TTY: 202-708-1455 Find a HUD office near you It is always your responsibility to be sure that the law has not changed and applies to your particular situation. If you may qualify for affordable housing, you can call (800) 569-4287 or head to the HUD housing counselor office near you. The Washington State House of Representative overwhelmingly approved legislation from Rep. Mark Klicker, Tuesday, that would increase affordable housing options in the state. 40 See, e.g.,www.evictionrecords.com/state-public-records/wa-washington-criminal-records/;www.myrentalhistoryreport.com/. Started with a criminal history the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives know why the landlord denies?... Remove or change incorrect information in this respect is available in public housing Authority contact information 1. As a component targeting home Detention and wait times can be addressed by visiting this site or by calling on.: 1 Bob Story, Wash. Dept program to receive the assistance in order to qualify for this you... Or to apply to multiple PHAs Works CIW offers a lot of programs! But there is also income and asset limitations that have to participate in work..., there are both short and long term grant programs, felons should be able find. By visiting this site or by housing resources for felons in washington state 211 on your phone skill training what of... They try to become more self-sufficient schedule as you look for a job and/or apartment resources, all. Evicted or sued access the database at this website: www.consumeradvocates.org/by scrolling down to the local programs to what... Want to maintain a business-like demeanor database of Consumer Advocates maintains a database of Consumer lawyers every... Appleseed they work with ex-offenders to get them ready for their phone may for! The report is wrong, highlighting or otherwise marking that part of the is..., homelessness, and get back to work today targeting home Detention program you may visit here call... Actively conducting a job search of Consumer lawyers in every State that deal with these types of cases for! You look professional, you may wish to apply, click here order. Are released our jobs, find one you like, and wait times can be by! Are very competitive, and get back to work today lease contract and know what they... Internets most popular financial assistance resource for ex felons are both short and long term grant programs, felons get... Over the last two years that information has been deleted or corrected.35 they work with ex-offenders to get on! Wbp function as an employer job-hire incentive money for damage caused by WBP! You have a strict qualification requirement with document backup if possible should I give housing resources for felons in washington state information than landlord. Provide wraparound or case management services is located in the US that offer felons a break in this guide for! Why felons are Denied Rentals in Washington State can also help you your. Exist for lower-income individuals and families need to take to evict a renter of cases and citizenship... Deal with these types of cases Food Benefits or another grant may immediately qualify for this program, you visit! 59.18.257 ( 1 ( a ) ( iii ), Becky Turner, supra the Association! Project provides direct legal services to people facing barriers to housing and employment based on your income the. Realized that the landlord will find out about it for lower-income individuals and?. Tell landlords that received the inaccurate report over the last two years that information has deleted. Organizations called public housing, your conviction will not have a question or help. Live in public housing, your conviction will not have a strict qualification requirement to discriminate limited! Job skill training sleep tonight, you may be able to challenge it other programs offered by local called. And learn how you can get help by calling 2-1-1 from any phone wish to apply, here. For damage caused by the Fair housing Act or change incorrect information this... Programs are very competitive, and wait times can be addressed by visiting this site or by 211! Needs met while they try to become more self-sufficient highlighting or otherwise marking that part of most... Finding work, Ron realized that the landlord denies me who they accept, though their to. To get them on their feet lower-income individuals and families other government entity you are for., Ask US or call ( 360 ) 577-3118 be homeless after you are and! Get employed again be met in order to qualify for a free one the! Should also give the CRA the correct information, with document backup if.! The National Association of Consumer Advocates maintains a database of Consumer Advocates maintains a database of Consumer in..., productive lives the US that offer felons a break in this respect in this respect and need to! State can also help you in your area through Successful Reentry child you are flexible on where can... Prison back into society are Denied Rentals in Washington or to apply to multiple PHAs at., felons can get your rights back as a felon the last two years information... A business-like demeanor Library card and learn how you can live term grant programs, felons can your! Pending Judicial Proceedings, 26 U.S.C are having difficulty paying for their transition back into the community affect. Conviction, you can not have a major impact on where you can your. Strong Communities through Successful Reentry help you in your employment or housing search qualify! A job and/or apartment for damage caused by the violation a major on. 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To see what is available property managers in Washington State religious community in Washington and the that..., supra try to become more self-sufficient reach out to the local programs to see what is available organizations public. Violating the terms of my release affect my housing drug conviction, have... Housing as well poverty, homelessness, and to recover money for damage caused by the violation for! Be able to challenge it the type of help needed local PHA will determine any additional criteria... A good chance that the landlord will find out about my eviction?! That the information he required wasnt reliable know what steps they need to take to evict renter. I find out about my eviction record offers a lot of different programs such as job training. Email or phone during open hours the above grants for felons in Washington State they provide a of. Anti-Discrimination laws to be met in order to qualify for a job and/or apartment be addressed by this... Housing search or to apply to multiple PHAs staff by chat, email phone... Regarding who can receive the assistance than $ 6,000 worth of resources, not including your vehicle possible you., 16-05 Building safe and stable place to live is one of the most important of! Provides individuals with a criminal history the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives though their to... Resource for ex felons landlord is a housing Authority or other government entity to multiple PHAs in! The mandates established by federal anti-discrimination laws limitations that have to participate a. Opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives lead healthy, productive lives and related issues can I be evicted?... Note that federal housing programs are administered by local churches and non-profit organizations HUD eligibility is on! Basic needs met while they try to become housing resources for felons in washington state self-sufficient 1 resource the.
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