BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Battle Creek organization is one of two in state to receive money through the newly announced Housing Access for Justice-Involved Individuals pilot program.
State officials say the program will support residents who have been impacted by the criminal legal system with finding and obtaining housing, aiming to provide housing assistance and placement to low-income individuals with barriers to stable housing, particularly those with a criminal record.
It will also increase the number of landlords in the selected areas who are willing to rent to these individuals through targeted education and incentives.
Neighborhoods of Battle Creek is receiving $390,817. The organization will provide financial support and incentives to increase housing access and the number of landlords who rent to justice-involved individuals for Calhoun and St. Joseph counties, with a focus on rural landlords.
The incentives include a one-time sign on bonus, access to a risk mitigation fund, first month’s rent and security deposit and emergency rental assistance.
The program will also include education for both landlords and tenants on fair housing practices, which they say will debunk myths related to justice-involved individuals and housing readiness. The program will also connect tenants to other available resources in the community and provide 12 months of follow-up services to ensure a successful housing placement.
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