Resources for Safe Re-Entry Housing: A Guide for Returning Citizens

Returning to society after incarceration can be a challenging process, especially when it comes to finding safe and stable housing. 90% of women in Illinois prisons are survivors of domestic violence of sexual assault. It is essential to know that there are legal tools and resources to help individuals who are concerned about their safety upon returning home. 

1. Emergency Shelter: If you need immediate shelter, you can access emergency assistance by live chat at the-network.org or by calling the 24/7 IL DV Hotline at 877-863-6338. 
2. Staying Safe from a Particular Person: 
   1. Court Order of Protection: If you require protection from a specific individual, you can seek a court order of protection. This is a legal tool that can help remove someone from your home, stop harassing behavior, restrict contact, address child custody, and protect your property and pets.
   2. Change the locks or end the lease: The Illinois Safe Homes Act helps when there is a credible and imminent threat of violence. 
3. Affordable Reentry Housing: The Illinois Prison Project Reentry Guide covers housing resources. 
4. Subsidized Housing: If you are interested in applying for subsidized housing, the Violence Against Women Act prohibits protects survivors from being denied housing based on their status as a survivor, including for an arrest, conviction, or other factor related to the abuse.
5. My Rental Application Was Denied Because of an Arrest or Conviction: 
   1. Fair Housing Act: The federal law may protect against overly broad background screening policies.

Finding safe reentry housing is a process that requires persistence and utilizing available resources. Consider seeking assistance from local housing authorities, reentry programs, and legal professionals to explore all options and rights.