In the latest issue of The Fortune News, our biannual newsletter sent to people in jails and prisons across the country, we explored how to best support justice-involved people through housing. Supportive and affordable housing is an essential part of reentry as stable housing has been shown to reduce rates of reincarceration. Even so, many barriers stand between justice-involved individuals and their access to housing.  

This issue of The Fortune News, “Welcome Home: Supporting the Justice-Involved Through Housing,” highlights stories from Fortune community members who have lived in our housing facilities. Rafael shares his experience with the Prepare for Release program and his time living in Freedom House, a transitional housing facility for men with behavioral health needs. Hilton currently resides at the Fortune Academy and is a vocal advocate for the Fair Chance for Housing Act, a New York City Council bill that seeks to eliminate background checks or inquiries about arrest or conviction history when applying for housing. He shares his views on why this legislation is vital for people of similar backgrounds. 

“Welcome Home” also includes tips for people who are facing temporary stays at New York City shelters, information on how to spot housing discrimination and how to act on it, and the importance of using humanizing language when speaking of those experiencing homelessness.

Interested in subscribing to the printed Fortune News? Email development@fortunesociety.org with the subject line “Fortune News Subscription.” Please note that the subscription fee for individuals who are not incarcerated is $30 and must be renewed once a year.