Dear Local, State, and National Government Leaders,
With the spread of COVID-19, we know you are under immense pressure to act decisively and swiftly to flatten the curve and address growing concerns of the American people. As you are considering policies to help this country push forward under unprecedented times, we urge you to hear the people that are often left without a voice.
In order to ensure we keep everyone safe, it is imperative that all people have access to housing and support during this pandemic, including people with past criminal records and people exiting prisons and jails.
As more cities move towards mandates for Shelter-In-Place, and more prisons and jails release people from these facilities to their communities, maintaining barriers to their finding safe housing is counterproductive, dangerous, and needlessly exacerbates the problem for localities across America.
We know we need to flatten the curve and keep everyone safe, it is equally as imperative that all Americans have access to housing and support during this pandemic. Therefore we urge you to consider the following policy suggestions:
1. Eliminate housing bans for people living with past convictions, including those being released from prison amid the spread of COVID-19 and those whose families live in public housing.
2. Provide more resources for re-entry service providers, including guidance on providing tele-services. Re-entry service providers are the front line for returning citizens and have been overwhelmed by this crisis with virtually no support. They provide crucial guidance and service to millions of people living with past convictions who are extremely vulnerable during this pandemic
3. Limit any check in requirements for people currently on parole or probation. (See recommendations from EXiT)
4. Stop all ICE raids Recent calls to limit jail and prison populations serves as evidence that crowded facilities could prove to be costly during this pandemic. Without proper testing capabilities, detaining and deporting any person could potentially spread COVID-19. Furthermore, it is also imperative that we not disincentivize ANY person from seeking medical help during this time.
Making sure our communities emerge from this public health crisis intact will require a commitment to protecting our most vulnerable populations. We thank you for your leadership and know that we are stronger when we act to protect those most in need, and the health and safety of our communities depend on it now more than ever.