The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has housing voucher program that offers qualifying people leaving state prisons $500 per month for rent to help them transition back into regular life. A study by Washington State University in 2013 found the program to be very effective in reducing the costs associated with keeping people in jail past their release date and reducing recidivism and homelessness. The legislature is considering SB 5441 that would increase funding for the program. 

The study found that,

Housing vouchers represent an efficient alternative to incarceration that can reduce costs and increase offender reintegration with few discernible drawbacks to public safety, as compared to current standard practices.

Recently proposals to “Ban the Box” have been offered as a solution to the very real struggle people with criminal records have getting housing. These proposals would prohibit people renting housing from considering a person’s criminal record when renting them housing.

“Ban the Box doesn’t work,” said Roger Valdez, Director of Seattle For Growth. “For most people releasing from the state’s prisons credit problems, poor tenancy history, and lack of employment will still make getting a place to live difficult. The DOC’s voucher program is a real answer, giving people coming out of the system a real resource and help to get back on their feet. But 3 months isn’t often long enough.”

“The program is efficient and compassionate and should get more resources,” he said.

The proposal is consistent with the City of Seattle’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) Recommendations. Section T1 of that document said this:

The City should pursue a combination of local legislation, education, and technical assistance to ensure fair access to Seattle’s housing options for people with criminal records. Any legislation should provide fair access to people with criminal records yet protect property owner’s rights and interests.

Seattle For Growth agrees.

Seattle For Growth has urged the legislature to:

1. Extend the voucher to 12 months;
2. Appropriate funding for the program based on past years; and
3. Create an allowance for an adjustment of the vouchers based on Fair Market Rents like section 8

Extension without funding won’t do all that much. And for more expensive markets there ought to be an allowance to mirror the rent structure in the Section 8 program. The study found that many participants no longer need the voucher after they gain employment, so not all participants would need a full 12 months. The legislature should also consider incentives to encourage participation from people who rent apartments and own and operate rental housing.

Seattle For Growth Position Paper