Ashia is home for the holidays this year

[Video] Watch her story here →

Dear Pamela,   It took two years of constant effort for Ashia to find a home for herself and her son to share in Lansing, Michigan. She received one denial letter after another from landlords, spending hundreds of dollars on fees for applications that went nowhere—all because of her conviction history.   Ashia and her son stayed at hotels and even in her car before she was able to get into a shelter. All the while, she was working two jobs and going to school. After eight months and seven days at a shelter, she found a landlord who was willing to give her a chance.  Pamela—housing is a human right, and everyone deserves a place to call home. Preventing people with criminal legal system involvement, like Ashia, from securing housing doesn't benefit our communities or make them safer. That's why Vera is working to increase housing access for people with conviction histories. In Michigan, Vera and our partners are advocating for legislation that would remove barriers and prevent housing discrimination against people like Ashia and their families.  "It's important for formerly incarcerated people to have stable housing because it's hard to do anything with no place to come unwind and rebuild myself." Ashia said.   We hope you'll take a moment to watch Ashia's story and learn about the need to open doors to housing for people with conviction histories. In solidarity, Vera Institute of Justice © 2024 Vera Institute of Justice. All Rights Reserved.   Vera Institute of Justice 34 35th Street | Suite 4-2A | Brooklyn, NY 11232 (212) 334-1300   Privacy Statement | unsubscribe