Barriers to housing for ex-inmates explored in New London
New London — State Rep. Chris Soto, D-New London, is hosting a listening tour in New London this week as part of a statewide effort to learn more about the barriers to housing faced by people after prison.
New London’s “Housing Re-Entry Listening Tour” will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Sound Community Services at 21 Montauk Ave. Soto is seeking feedback from individuals who have returned to the community after being incarcerated.
The listening tour is part of an initiative from the Commission on Equity and Opportunity in partnership with state Rep. Brandon McGee Jr.
The Legislative Housing Re-Entry Working Group was created by a special act of the legislature in June to study the barriers to housing for the re-entry population. The group is gathering information and expected to make housing policy recommendations to the General Assembly by the end of the year.
The overall goal is to increase housing access and stability and promote post-release success.
“We have to start honing in on the individual barriers that people are facing with re-entry. That’s what this event and conversation is about, getting specific so we can respond with real results,” Soto said in a statement.
“People seeking a second chance, and in many cases a first chance, after incarceration face significant barriers to securing housing,” said Steven Hernández, executive director of the Commission on Equity and Opportunity, in a statement.
“The link between homelessness and re-entry is well established, and a housing strategy is a key factor in reducing recidivism rates,” Hernández said.
McGee, who serves as co-chairman of the panel, said in a statement the listening tours are way to gain feedback from “those who are truly affected so that as legislators, we may help to enact real change for those looking to re-enter.”
“The re-entry community faces so many barriers to housing that truly re-entering the community is near impossible,” he said.
Werner Oyanadel, an analyst for the Commission on Equity and Opportunity and a Re-Entry Working Group project manager, said that individuals returning home from incarceration have stories to share that will help improve the transition to self-sufficiency and successful reunification with family and friends.
The event is free and open to the public.
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