As I settle into my seat at the cozy community center, the buzz of conversation around me reminds me why I’m here. This isn’t just another dry policy discussion – it’s a chance to dig into a pressing issue that’s impacting real people’s lives. You see, I’m here to talk about the intricate relationship between affordable housing and the criminal justice system, and how we can work together to break the heartbreaking cycle of incarceration and homelessness.

The Homelessness-Jail Cycle: A Troubling Trend

Let’s start by painting the full picture. Did you know that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to interact with the justice system, often due to citations or arrests for low-level offenses like loitering or sleeping in parks? And on the flip side, those with criminal justice involvement are more likely to experience homelessness, facing discrimination in housing and employment that can leave them with few options.

It’s a vicious cycle, and one that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. According to research from the Urban Institute, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx individuals are overrepresented in both the homeless and incarcerated populations, a reflection of the systemic and structural racism woven throughout our housing, criminal justice, and other critical systems.

But the impacts go beyond just the individuals caught in this cycle. Communities end up paying a heavy price too, with cities like Denver and Los Angeles racking up millions in taxpayer dollars spent on the emergency services required to respond to people cycling in and out of homelessness and jail.

Unpacking the Barriers to Stable Housing

So what’s driving this troubling trend? Well, the barriers facing those with criminal records are daunting. As the Prison Policy Initiative report highlights, formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly 10 times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general public. And it’s not just outright homelessness – housing insecurity, including living in motels or other marginal situations, is almost three times more common.

The reasons for this are multifaceted. Discrimination by landlords and housing authorities, based on criminal record checks, creates a major obstacle. Couple that with the challenges of finding stable employment post-incarceration, and you’ve got a perfect storm of factors making it incredibly difficult for this population to secure safe, affordable housing.

And the consequences of this housing crisis go far beyond just a roof over someone’s head. As the report notes, unstable housing can reduce access to critical healthcare services, make it harder to find and maintain a job, and prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from accessing educational programs – all essential building blocks for successful reentry and reintegration into the community.

Flipping the Script: Innovative Solutions in Action

But here’s the thing – we don’t have to accept this status quo. Communities across the country are starting to implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to tackle this complex issue head-on. And at the heart of these solutions is a simple but powerful concept: Housing First.

As the Bureau of Justice Assistance explains, the Housing First model focuses on getting people experiencing homelessness into stable, permanent housing with no preconditions. The idea is to provide a foundation for individuals to then address other challenges, like mental health or substance use issues, from a place of security and stability.

And the results speak for themselves. Urban Institute research on a supportive housing program in New York City found that after two years, 86% of participants remained housed, compared to just 42% of the comparison group. And the cost savings were significant too, with a nearly $16,000 average annual reduction in jail, shelter, and crisis healthcare costs per person.

It’s an approach that’s gaining traction in communities nationwide, as local leaders recognize the need to move beyond temporary disruptions and implement permanent, systemic changes. And the timing couldn’t be better, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many cities to re-evaluate their approach to homelessness and criminal justice.

A Pathway to Equity and Stability

But this isn’t just about saving money – it’s about creating a more equitable and humane society. When we stop using punitive tactics that trap people in the homelessness-jail cycle and instead embrace evidence-based solutions like Housing First, we’re not just improving individual lives. We’re building stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has a fair shot at stability and success.

And for an organization like HACC Housing, dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions, this work is at the very heart of their mission. By partnering with local leaders and community groups, they’re helping to spearhead the kind of innovative, collaborative efforts that can truly move the needle on this critical issue.

So as I look around this room, filled with passionate advocates and change-makers, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism. Yes, the challenges are daunting, but the solutions are within our grasp. All it takes is the collective will to break the cycle, to see the humanity in those caught in its grip, and to build a future where a stable, affordable home is a right, not a privilege.

Are you ready to join us in this fight? Because trust me, the rewards of getting this right – for individuals, for communities, and for our society as a whole – are truly immeasurable.