Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

(The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve public safety by addressing one of the biggest barriers facing people leaving prison – stable housing.

Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, said the initiative goes beyond simply providing housing assistance to formerly incarcerated people and instead takes a “holistic” approach to reentry.

“People are leaving prison with many different needs that are interconnected,” Vollen-Katz said. “If we want people to be successful, we’ve got to try and meet all of those needs.”

The bill expands affordable housing and reentry services for people leaving Illinois prisons, aiming to improve long-term outcomes by reducing homelessness and recidivism.

Critics warn it could strain already limited state resources.

Vollen-Katz said the program should be seen as a long-term investment, citing data that about 3...