The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is exploring ways convicts can become homeowners, says Blacklock’s Reporter..The federal insurer awarded a $246,000 grant for a research “lab” on finding suitable housing for parolees..“One of the most advanced labs is examining how we can help increase access to suitable housing for Canadians who are released from the federal prison system after completing their sentences,” Michel Tremblay, CMHC senior vice-president, said to the Commons finance committee..“These individuals are often released with no identification, no money and no supports in place. So you can imagine the challenges they face in finding a place to live, especially with a criminal record..“The lab is also exploring opportunities for ex-prisoners to find jobs in the housing construction industry, including possibly to help build tiny homes they might one day occupy themselves.”.The research project was funded through the John Howard Society of Canada..The Society in a statement said ex-felons can’t often qualify for mortgages..“The cards are stacked against them,” said Catherine Latimer, executive director..“Making matters worse is the fact people involved with the criminal justice system who can’t find stable housing are at greater risk of reoffending and going back to prison. This project aims to break that vicious cycle.”.The research grant was issued under the National Housing Strategy. CMHC is awarding $30 million in grants for various research programs on housing..Federal parolees have a fifty percent unemployment rate, according to a Department of Public Safety report..“The mere existence of a criminal record is one of the main reasons why securing employment after incarceration can be elusive for many,” wrote staff..Data tracking 11,158 parolees over a fourteen-year period found almost half of ex-convicts relied on welfare..“It is not surprising that many individuals with a criminal record are almost ten times more reliant on government support agencies than individuals within the general population. In our sample, 41% received at least some form of social assistance payment, a rate that is almost ten times higher than the general Canadian population,” said the report..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is exploring ways convicts can become homeowners, says Blacklock’s Reporter..The federal insurer awarded a $246,000 grant for a research “lab” on finding suitable housing for parolees..“One of the most advanced labs is examining how we can help increase access to suitable housing for Canadians who are released from the federal prison system after completing their sentences,” Michel Tremblay, CMHC senior vice-president, said to the Commons finance committee..“These individuals are often released with no identification, no money and no supports in place. So you can imagine the challenges they face in finding a place to live, especially with a criminal record..“The lab is also exploring opportunities for ex-prisoners to find jobs in the housing construction industry, including possibly to help build tiny homes they might one day occupy themselves.”.The research project was funded through the John Howard Society of Canada..The Society in a statement said ex-felons can’t often qualify for mortgages..“The cards are stacked against them,” said Catherine Latimer, executive director..“Making matters worse is the fact people involved with the criminal justice system who can’t find stable housing are at greater risk of reoffending and going back to prison. This project aims to break that vicious cycle.”.The research grant was issued under the National Housing Strategy. CMHC is awarding $30 million in grants for various research programs on housing..Federal parolees have a fifty percent unemployment rate, according to a Department of Public Safety report..“The mere existence of a criminal record is one of the main reasons why securing employment after incarceration can be elusive for many,” wrote staff..Data tracking 11,158 parolees over a fourteen-year period found almost half of ex-convicts relied on welfare..“It is not surprising that many individuals with a criminal record are almost ten times more reliant on government support agencies than individuals within the general population. In our sample, 41% received at least some form of social assistance payment, a rate that is almost ten times higher than the general Canadian population,” said the report..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
