Secretary Fudge Announces Directive to Review HUD Policies Posing Barriers to Housing for People with Criminal Histories
April 18, 2022 by HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge issued a directive on April 12, instructing the agency to conduct a comprehensive review of internal policies and procedures that may create barriers to housing access for individuals impacted by the criminal-legal system. Over the next six months, HUD staff will evaluate existing guidance, regulations, and sub-regulatory documents to propose necessary changes aimed at enhancing access to federally assisted housing for those with conviction records. Secretary Fudge emphasized the importance of administering HUD programs inclusively to align with equity goals, ensuring that regulatory language and guidance on the use of criminal records in tenant selection are as inclusive as possible. This initiative aims to mitigate the housing instability and heightened risk of homelessness faced by individuals with criminal records, promoting compliance with civil rights laws and fostering a more equitable future for HUD program beneficiaries.