Second Chance Month, observed in the United States during April since 2017, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the many systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals as they seek to rebuild their lives after incarceration. In Never Fully Free, a report developed by Heartland Alliance’s Social IMPACT Research Center, we have determined there are almost 1200 different barriers that keep Illinoisans from finding work, housing, and numerous other forms of well-being.
We believe that the fight for equity and opportunity for all requires the eradication of these permanent punishments. Our policy experts and campaign managers have teamed up with individuals who face these permanent punishments on a daily basis to take that fight to Springfield, where the recently passed Public Housing Access Bill will reduces a flood of barriers to affordable housing.
Below, we connected with those experts on what the passing of this bill means for the people we serve – and for the ongoing fight to ensure all people are fully free. Read more below.
