A new report calls for public housing authorities to change certain policies to prevent excluding people with criminal records. The Prison Policy Initiative report finds some public-housing policies work against people who once were convicted, for instance, of using marijuana. While it s legal in 37 states and Washington D.C., the Department of Housing and Urban Development prohibits marijuana use in public housing, since it is still illegal at the federal level. .
After several years of work around housing rights an advocacy group for affordable and safe housing in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is celebrating a victory. Bedford County Listening Project members, renters with the Shelbyville Tenants Organizing for Protection campaign, and the Shelbyville City Council have voted to establish a safe and affordable housing committee to study and make recommendations. Sophia Tillett, a leader of the Bedford County Listening Project, said the Shelbyville Tenants Organizing for Protections campaign began when they spoke to neighbors and discovered many of them were experiencing substandard housing and continuing rent increases, despite the living conditions, which she noted were unlivable and unsafe. .
An Omaha nonprofit fills a unique need for people transitioning from a multitude of difficult situations. The Furniture Project has grown from serving roughly 80 families a year to 728 last year, its first year with paid employees. Executive Director Matt Hoppe said that in partnership with another nonprofit, Restoring Dignity, they receive referrals from nearly 90 social-service agencies. .
North Dakota has met a goal to provide stable housing to military veterans. It coincides with success at the national level amid lingering challenges for former service members experiencing homelessness. The Department of Veterans Affairs says more than 40,000 veterans secured permanent housing last year, topping a nationwide goal of 38,000. .
Arkansas is declining most of the $146 million made available in a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance from the federal government. Critics of the move predict the decision will hurt families still struggling due to the pandemic. Gov. .