As many as one-third (⅓) of adults in the United States have a criminal history.
(10)
Access to housing is one (1) of the key factors to prevent recidivism.
(11)
Across the country, African Americans and Hispanics are incarcerated at much higher
rates than their share of the population.
(12)
As of January 2019, African Americans make up thirty-four and one-half (34.5) percent
of the Minnesota prison population, while comprising only six and one-half (6.5) percent
of the state's population as a whole (as of 2017).
(13)
American Indians make up nine (9) percent of the Minnesota prison population, while
comprising only one and one-tenth (1.1) percent of the population as a whole (as of
2017).
(14)
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development issued guidance in April
2016 regarding the Fair Housing Act and the use of criminal history in tenant screening
finding that criminal history based restrictions violate the Fair Housing Act if "without
justification, their burden falls more often on renters or other housing market participants
of one (1) race or national origin over another."
(15)
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development identified individualized
assessments as the preferred mechanism for housing providers to fairly screen individuals
with criminal history barriers.
(16)
Sociological research does not support the idea that a criminal record provides accurate
information about the potential for housing success.
(17)
Studies demonstrate the risk of a new offense by someone who has committed an offense
in the past declines over time.
(18)
With an eviction on record, it becomes harder to secure safe, stable housing.
(19)