Finding stable housing is one of the most significant challenges for people reentering their communities after incarceration (often referred to as returning citizens). In small cities, the housing issue can present unique hurdles and opportunities. Even with regulations in place to prevent discriminatory practices, most states allow landlords to screen for criminal records of potential tenants, with specific rules varying by state. This contributes to a homeless rate for incarcerated people that is almost 10 times as high as the overall population. While these communities may lack the resources of larger municipalities, small municipalities regularly offer closer-knit social networks and opportunities for innovative, localized solutions to tackle these issues.
The Challenges
Limited Housing Stock
The population shift toward smaller cities over the past five years has left fewer rental units and affordable housing options. This scarcity can lead to high competition, leaving returning citizens at a disadvantage due to stigma and financial instability.
Stigma and Discrimination
In smaller communities, the stigma associated with a criminal record can be magnified. Landlords and employers in these areas may be less willing to rent to individuals with a history of incarceration, particularly in communities where “everyone knows everyone.”
Resource Scarcity
Compared to larger cities, small cities may have fewer reentry programs, housing assistance initiatives or nonprofit organizations focused on serving returning citizens.
Economic Constraints
Small towns and cities often have limited job markets, making it challenging for returning citizens to secure the income necessary for stable housing. Without economic stability, sustaining housing can become nearly impossible.
Innovative Solutions and Opportunities
Community-Based Housing Programs
Small cities can create partnerships between local governments, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to develop transitional or permanent housing programs specifically for returning citizens. Community-driven programs are more likely to garner local support.
Utilizing Vacant Properties
Many small cities face issues with vacant homes or underutilized properties. Using a strategy championed by the Department of Justice over 20 years ago, these spaces can be converted into affordable housing for returning citizens. Municipalities can simultaneously increase dwelling places for people returning to their communities while providing stability and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Education and Advocacy
Engaging landlords and community members through education campaigns can help reduce stigma and encourage more inclusive rental practices. Highlighting the economic and social benefits of providing housing to returning citizens can shift perceptions. The Corporation for Supportive Housing published Busting Myths About Increasing Access to Housing for People who are Justice-Impacted, a resource for landlords, property managers and other housing providers which, in part, makes the case that with proper support, justice-impacted people can be successful tenants. The Department of Housing and Urban Development adds that having a criminal history does not foretell housing success or failure.
Support Networks and Mentorship
Small cities often have strong interpersonal networks, which can be leveraged to create mentorship programs. By connecting returning citizens with community members who can vouch for their reliability, it becomes easier to secure housing and rebuild trust.
Policy Interventions
Advocating for local ordinances to prevent discrimination against individuals with criminal records in housing can make a significant difference. While large urban areas such as Seattle, Detroit, San Francisco and others paved the way for “Ban the Box” initiatives for housing applications, small jurisdictions can look to Ypsilanti, MI, which passed the Fair Chance Housing ordinance, that prohibits landlords from denying housing to applicants based on their criminal history. Additionally, offering tax incentives to landlords — much like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit — induces employers to hire returning citizens.
Why This Matters
Stable housing is critical for helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration and reducing recidivism. In small cities, the lack of housing solutions not only impacts the individuals returning but also the broader community. Without stable housing, returning citizens may struggle with reintegration, which can strain local resources and increase crime rates.
On the other hand, small cities with proactive housing strategies can demonstrate that reintegration benefits everyone, fostering safer and more inclusive communities. By addressing housing barriers, these cities can serve as models for others, showing that small communities can have a big impact.
While small cities face unique challenges in housing returning citizens, they also have the potential to innovate and create deeply impactful solutions. According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, decriminalizing homelessness, for example, can reduce rates of initial arrest and incarceration, especially for people with low-level, nonviolent offenses. With a combination of local engagement, resourcefulness and policy support, small communities can pave the way for successful reintegration and stronger, more cohesive neighborhoods.
Learn More
Check out National League of Cities’ Ending Homelessness: A Guide for Local Governments. This guide provides an overview of the homelessness crisis facing U.S. communities, why it’s happening, and how cities can work with partners to shape solutions.
About the Author
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