Housing for Felons in Hawaii

Finding a place to call home can be challenging for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for those with a criminal record. In Hawaii, the situation is especially tricky, with some of the most restrictive laws in the country when it comes to housing for felons. But don’t lose hope just yet. With the right knowledge and resources, it is possible to navigate the challenges of housing as a felon in Hawaii. Whether you’re a former offender or you’re helping someone who is, this article will give you the information you need to start your search for a safe and comfortable living environment. From understanding the laws and regulations to finding supportive programs and services, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of housing for felons in Hawaii.

The Challenges of Housing for Felons in Hawaii

One of the biggest challenges of finding housing as a felon in Hawaii is discrimination. Many landlords, property managers, and housing providers are reluctant to rent to individuals with criminal records. They fear that felons may pose a risk to other tenants, damage property, or engage in criminal activity. This discrimination can be frustrating and demoralizing for former offenders who are trying to turn their lives around and rebuild their futures.

Another challenge is the scarcity of affordable housing in Hawaii. The state has some of the highest housing costs in the country, with a median home price of $699,000 as of 2021. This means that even if a felon can find a landlord who is willing to rent to them, the cost of rent may be prohibitively high.

Lastly, Hawaii has some of the strictest laws governing housing for felons in the country. Certain types of felonies disqualify individuals from public housing, and landlords may be held liable if a tenant engages in criminal activity. These laws make it even harder for former offenders to find housing and can limit their options.

Understanding Housing Discrimination Against Felons

Housing discrimination against felons is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. However, there is no federal law that specifically prohibits discrimination against individuals with criminal records. This means that landlords and housing providers may be within their legal rights to deny housing to felons.

That said, some states and municipalities have enacted “ban the box” laws, which prohibit employers and housing providers from asking about an applicant’s criminal record until later in the application process. These laws are designed to give former offenders a fair chance at housing and employment.

• Illegal Forms Of Discrimination

By the Fair Housing Act, discrimination can take on a more sinister form once it becomes biased. The protected classes of the Fair Housing Act, include people whose discrimination is based on national origin, race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, or family status. 

• Arbitrary Discrimination

Focuses on the territory of preference and is based more on preference or prejudice than on reason or fact. Therefore, the idea behind discrimination that is legal focuses on making renting housing equitable. Unless the discrimination extends to an individual’s race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, family status, religion, or disability, they can get turned down for housing based on their criminal record. 

You should research more on this subject to be better versed on it, so you can follow the legal process when you are discriminated against.

•  Run A Personal Background Check

It is advisable that before you go on a housing search; you do a background check on yourself first. This is so you can adequately be aware of how the landlord may see you if he or she does run a background check, so you at least can get in front of it and explain where possible to convince them otherwise.

Know that this process is not free and comes at a charge. You can research online for companies and sites that help with this.

Overcoming Housing Discrimination as a Felon

If you’re a former felon who has experienced housing discrimination, there are steps you can take to fight back. First, it’s important to understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act and any applicable state or local laws. You may be able to file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or a state or local agency that enforces fair housing laws.

You can also try to find a landlord who is willing to rent to felons. This may require some extra legwork, but there are landlords out there who are willing to give ex-felons a chance. Look for landlords who specialize in affordable housing or who work with organizations that assist people with criminal records.

Lastly, you can try to build up your rental history and credit score. Landlords are more likely to rent to someone with a stable rental history and good credit, even if they have a criminal record. Consider renting a room or a sublet in someone’s home to build up your rental history, or work with a credit counselor to improve your credit score.

Hawaii’s Fair Housing Laws

In addition to federal fair housing laws, Hawaii has its own Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, marital status, familial status, and age. The law also prohibits housing discrimination based on a person’s use of a service animal, their sexual orientation, and their gender identity or expression.

It’s important to note that while Hawaii’s Fair Housing Act does not specifically prohibit discrimination against felons, it does prohibit discrimination based on disability. If you have a disability related to your criminal records, such as a mental health condition or addiction, you may be protected under the law.

Finding Felon-Friendly Housing Options in Hawaii

The first step in finding housing as a felon in Hawaii is to look for landlords and housing providers who are willing to rent to individuals with criminal records. This can be challenging, but there are resources available to help you in your search.

There are options and financial programs that help support people get affordable housing both in the private and public sectors. These options are sadly not available to those who have committed certain felonies. To state simply; the reason you were sent to prison will determine your eligibility for you taking part in the program. 

There is also the issue of trust and risk. The landlords would feel hesitant when alerted to your history. They don’t want tenants that could be a source of worry or trouble for them in regards to the law, peace, and safety of their property as well as other tenants. There are resources, programs, and organizations that can help you get a place for yourself, as well as a few tips to help you secure a place.

Reentry programs were created for situations such as this, to help felons become contributing and thriving members of society, learning the skills and mindset needed to re-join society after years of incarceration. There is also the option of looking through the house listings on Craig List and the local housing authority. List of which includes;

• Hope Services 

This offers housing programs for felons and also others who need a place to stay. 

In West Hawaii, the Emergency Housing Program offers housing as well as regular meals for males and females that are homeless. Their Check-in time begins at 5 pm for 14-hour shelter services and closes at 7 AM daily.

People in this program also receive support from management. It is funded by the county of Hawaii, a human services grant, the United Way, the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Supportive Housing program, and an emergency shelter grant. 

• Check With Local Housing Authorities 

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) offers affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families, including those with criminal records. You can contact HPHA directly to inquire about available units and eligibility requirements.

They were formed so people could seek habitable places to live within their current budget. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is dedicated to helping people seek affordable housing without fear of discrimination or the high price of rent. So, ensure you make good use of this organization.

• Look For Supportive Housing Programs

Several programs in Hawaii provide supportive housing for individuals with criminal records, including the Hawaii Department of Public Safety’s Reentry and Sanctions Center and the Oahu Community Correctional Center’s Community Resource Center. These programs may offer transitional housing, rental assistance, or other forms of support to help individuals successfully reintegrate into the community.

• The Hawaii Religious Community

Religious organizations or churches are also there to help felons who need jobs or housing. An example is the Makana O Ke Akua. It is a faith-based non-profit that helps men reenter society. 

Its residents live in a clean, structured, and sober environment in case they have drug-related problems. Religious organizations do a lot of outreach programs to help convicts to find their way back into society, a form of rehabilitation. You can join any of them for a support group, they can help ease your process of re-entry.

If you are unaware of any, a quick research or google search will turn out the various ones in your local community, with contact information to reach out to them generally.

Tips for Navigating the Housing Application Process

Once you’ve identified potential housing options, it’s important to be prepared for the application process. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

• • Be honest about your criminal record. Trying to hide your criminal record will only make things worse in the long run. Be upfront about your history and explain what you’ve done to turn your life around.
  • Provide references. If possible, provide references from employers, landlords, or other individuals who can vouch for your character and reliability.
  • Offer to pay a larger security deposit. Landlords may be more willing to rent to you if you offer to pay a larger security deposit. This can give them peace of mind in case there are any issues down the road.

Felon Friendly Apartments In Chicago

More detailed tips include:

• Consider Private landlords Who Specialize In Renting To Felons 

While they may be more difficult to find, some private landlords in Hawaii are willing to rent to individuals with criminal records. 

• Seek Assistance From Social Service Agencies

Many social service agencies in Hawaii offer support and resources to individuals with criminal records, including housing assistance. You can contact organizations like the Hawaii Statewide Homeless Hotline, Catholic Charities Hawaii, or the Salvation Army for help to find housing and other forms of support.

• Listings On Craigslist

Craigslist is an excellent source for your apartment and housing search. Many felons prefer to look on Craigslist because it is easier for them to deal or negotiate with the advertisers one on one. 

Usually, the landlords are real estate investors looking to rent individual units or houses. The benefit is that some of the landlords on the site do not bother with background checks, thereby making it much simpler to negotiate leasing terms. 

• Referrals From Family And Friends

This can greatly boost your efforts and chances of getting a place. A glowing recommendation from someone that is trusted and respected in the community has a way of opening doors and getting you farther than your reputation will have. Take advantage of this, use the network, and leverage their reputation. They may know someone or have someone that owes them a favor but do not get someone to rent a place on your behalf. Doing this can get you sued or/and evicted. It needs to be stated and known that you are part of the residents of that house or apartment, even if you do not pay the complete rent.

• Ask Important Questions

Having a clear objective and goal helps you have a target you are working towards. If you approach this endeavor with this mindset, you will tend to ask important questions that let the landlord know you are a straightforward and standup person who wants to understand the full responsibilities and requirements for you taking over his building. 

The general need to understand may put him a bit at ease that you are serious and responsible enough to take care of his property. Being pleasant always gives an advantage when interacting with people. You can never go wrong with it.

• Job Status

You may be able to charm your landlord and get your foot in. But most importantly, when he/ she asks about your job status, you need to have a ready and available answer for that.

Do not forget, he is running a business. He needs to know that you will not be any kind of trouble or worry to his business in the long run. This includes you having a source of income to be able to cover rent when due. Without a job or job prospects, you are not going to inspire confidence or give him/her a reason to lease you the space. 

You may also look into a sublet, there you may not have to commit to a full year. If you are lucky, you might find someone more willing to do a deal for a 4-month rental. This at least gives and space for you to get employment.

Alternative Housing Options for Felons in Hawaii

If traditional rental housing is not an option for you, there are alternative housing options to consider. Here are a few ideas:

• Transitional housing – Transitional housing programs provide temporary housing and supportive services to individuals who are transitioning out of incarceration or homelessness.
• Sober living homes – Sober living homes provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
• Roommate matching services – Roommate matching services can help you find a roommate who is willing to rent with you despite your criminal record.

Conclusion

Finding housing is not an easy task. It also has an important role in everyone’s life. Housing is one of the most personal and important things in the life of man.

Do not be discouraged while on your search. Make sure you use all the resources available to you and have a plan. This greatly improves the speed of finding a place. 

Be pleasant, make a good first impression, and be honest. These qualities tend to build trust and make people like you. You have a higher chance of getting the landlord to agree to rent a space to you if he does not feel interacting with you would be highly unpleasant. 

Remember, you are more than your criminal record, and you deserve a second chance.