Statement on the Failure to Pass the Fair Chance for Housing Act

We are deeply disappointed by the New York City Council’s failure to pass the Fair Chance for Housing Act.

For far too long, housing discrimination has been a lifetime barrier to reentry and stability for New Yorkers with conviction records, exacerbating the homeless crisis in our city. Not passing this critical legislation is a missed opportunity to reduce the cycles of discrimination, homelessness, and recidivism, and create a more inclusive city, where we see people for who they are, and not what they once did.

Despite this setback for people with conviction records, their families, and our communities, we are determined to work with the incoming City Council to end housing discrimination.

JoAnne Page, The Fortune Society CEO and President