Exclusive: HUD unveils plan to help people with a criminal record find a place to live

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USA Today on 9/12/2022 by Romina Ruiz-Goiriena

Key Points

  • HUD is making it easier for Americans with a criminal record to find housing.
  • In six months, HUD will produce new guidelines and model documents, such as leases.
  • The move would impact all federally funded housing programs, including public housing authorities and rental assistance voucher programs.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is working to make it easier for people with a criminal record to find housing – a move that could have widespread implications for nearly 1 in 3 Americans.

In a memo sent out to staff on Tuesday, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge instructed the department to review programs and policies that may “pose barriers to housing for persons with criminal histories or their families.”

Fudge told staffers they have six months to propose updates and amendments consistent with the directive to “make our policies as inclusive as possible.” Among the many things HUD staffers will be looking into are guidance documents, model leases and other agreements.