Finding housing for felons in Wyoming is no easy task and we want to assure you that we understand your struggle. Every month we have dozens of people ask our organization for this information and as much as we wish we had a list of felon friendly apartments in Wyoming, this information is too difficult to gather as we don’t have enough staff on hand to handle the task.With that being said, we’ve done the next best thing. Below is a list of organizations and resources in Wyoming that will help you in your pursuit of felon friendly housing.
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Felon Friendly Apartments in Wyoming
If you have just been released from prison, you may feel inwardly elated but nervous as well. If so, the Jobs for Felons Hub site can assist you in your transition into society. Look at the reentry listings for Wyoming on this site to regain your footing into the mainstream once again. The list will assist you in finding the resources you need to obtain transitional or permanent housing, or find a job. You can also find transitional housing by clicking on this link.
Making the Transition into the Mainstream in Wyoming
Don’t begin any job or housing search until you have compiled a to-do list. By writing down the tasks you need to do, you can more easily realize your goals for finding an apartment or employment. The follow activities are suggestions to help you begin the process.
· Inquire about temporary housing.
· Schedule an appointment with a HUD-based housing authority about a permanent place to live.
· Inquire about getting food stamps.
· Contact area programs about job training.
· Buy professional attire for job and apartment searches. Visit Wyoming thrift stores or discount retailers. Ask friends or family members about any clothes that they can donate for your job or apartment search.
· Obtain a copy of your criminal history.
· Schedule a time to speak to a substance abuse counselor, if applicable.
Temporary Housing in Wyoming
Information about transitional housing can be obtained by referring to the transitionalhousing.org website. Many of the resources on the site help people with substance abuse issues. Also, review the reentry listings for Wyoming when searching for a temporary residence.
Other Wyoming Housing Resources
Felons can also reach out to HUD, or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a permanent residence. However, be forewarned. HUD will not work with you if you were convicted of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine or if you were charged and convicted of a sex offense. If you possess either of these two felonies, then you need to refer to the reentry program at your correctional facility. You can also reference the reentry listings on the Jobs for Felons Hub site.
HUD housing is available in the form of single-family residences, townhomes, apartments, and mobile homes. The applicant’s income is considered against the area median income or AMI. HUD pays part of the rental payment, based on the needs of the applicant and the tenant pays the remainder of the rent. If your income is very low or almost non-existent, you may be able to obtain an apartment for free. You can also refer to the house listings on Craigslist or find housing or job leads through religious and community service organizations.
Don’t Apply for an Apartment in a Large Wyoming Apartment Community
You want to avoid as many roadblocks as you can when searching for a permanent place to live. That is why you don’t want to apply for an apartment in a large Wyoming apartment community. Large apartment communities are also operated and managed by large apartment management companies – companies that regularly turn down felons. Search for housing through HUD or refer to the listings on our site for help.
Obtain Your Criminal Record Online
You can better state your case for housing if you obtain a copy of your criminal history. You need to review your history so you can better negotiate rental agreements of obtain transitional accommodations. Begin by going online and clicking on this link. A small processing fee is charged for obtaining the history.
Why Felons Are Normally Refused Housing in Wyoming and the US
If you are a felon, searching for housing can be a trial, if not a test. Legally, in the US, no laws exist on the books that enable felons to easily lease an apartment or similar property. If a property manager thinks that you may be a possible liability, they are in their rights to deny your housing application.
According to US fair housing laws, discrimination is considered against the law when a landlord refuses to lease an apartment or other dwelling because of an applicant’s race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, family status, disability, or religion. Any of the aforementioned classifications refer to a federally protected group of people – individuals who can file a claim against landlords who discriminate against them out of prejudice.
Fair housing laws support discrimination when the landlord refuses to rent an apartment to an applicant who has not paid their rent or was evicted from a property. Applicants can also be denied housing if their credit rating is bad.
Again, discrimination is only considered illegal when a landlord will not rent to people whose national origin, race, ethnicity, sex, family status, religion or disability is the reason for the denial.
Illegal Discrimination
Property managers in Wyoming and other areas of the United States are guilty of illegal discrimination if their refusal extends to an applicant’s race, national origin, ethnicity, family status, religion, sex, or disability. You can read more about illegal discrimination by visiting NOLO online.
The Housing Law in Wyoming
A property manager in Wyoming must follow the federal anti-discrimination law as well as know how to create a leasing agreement or rental contract. They also must be able to follow the steps for eviction. Legal leasing decision should be based on reasons of business or liability, not on bias.
Arbitrary Discrimination
Arbitrary discrimination can also be considered a form of illegal discrimination. Arbitrary discrimination can occur if a landlord leases to one person in a certain group but turns down the rental application of another member of the same group. For example, if a property manager refuses to rent to a felon but accepts the application of another felon, he or she can be held liable. You can read more on the subject by clicking on the following link.
Wyoming Housing Authority
In Wyoming, you can learn more about affordable housing initiatives by visiting the Wyoming Community Development Authority website. The site supports the work of State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) – entities that are chartered by the state to meet the housing needs of lower income residents. Most HFAs are independent and operate under a board of directors that are appointed by the governor. A broad range of community development incentives and affordable housing programs are offered.
You can also reference HUD in Wyoming or refer to the eight public housing authorities in the state. The main purpose of HUD housing is to enhance the availability of safe, sanitary and affordable rental units or similar dwellings. The program makes it possible for state and local governments to expand on their housing alternatives. Therefore, HUD works to encourage people in need to find and secure permanent homes while enabling people in the private sector to offer assistance as well.
If you have just been released from prison, it is imperative to speak to a HUD representative immediately so you can receive subsidized rental help as soon as possible. Public housing authorities in Wyoming offer Section 8 subsidized dwellings to those people whose income does not surpass 50% of the income guidelines set by HUD. HUD wants most housing applicants to show an income that is not over 30% of the area median income for a community. If your income is very low, then your chance for obtaining housing is very good.
The criteria set by HUD for rental properties is based on an applicant’s income as well as the composition and size of their household. The governmental agency also considers medical costs and the applicant’s immigration status, if applicable. All HUD properties must meet the HQ or Housing Quality standards established by the Fair Housing law.
Wyoming Apartment Listings on Craigslist
You can also look on Wyoming’s Craigslist for apartment or rental homes. The advertisers on Craigslist are usually smaller property management firms or real estate entrepreneurs. Therefore, their rental requirements are usually negotiable. To start a search, click on the Wyoming Craigslist site. Once you are on the page, click on the “housing” section at the top of the site. Narrow down your choices by including the leasing range.
Reentry Programs in Wyoming
You can always review the reentry listings for Wyoming too. Contact us or interact with the Jobs for Felons Hub site on Facebook as well. We will support your housing and job search efforts as you make the transition back into society.
The Wyoming Religious Community
The Wyoming religious community is also a good source for housing or employment leads. If you are a member of a Wyoming church, you might also ask your pastor or members in your congregation about job or employment leads. You can also ask for help from social service agencies or faith-based organizations.
Referrals From Friends and Family
Ask friends or family members about job or apartment referrals as well. However, never ask a friend or family member to sign a lease on your behalf. Doing so could get you into trouble legally. Your name should always be listed on a leasing contract. If you want to avoid any troubles in court, you need to make sure you are a listed tenant.
Additional Felon Housing Search Tips
Dress Professionally
Don’t begin any job or employment search without putting together an ensemble of professional-looking clothes. You can begin by visiting a local thrift store or discount retailer.
Act Professionally
If you look professional, you also want to behave professionally. Ignore any negative or derogatory comments and concentrate on professionalism at all times.
Keep in Contact with the Programs Featured in Wyoming’s Reentry Listings
Maintain contact with the programs listed on Wyoming’s Reentry Listings on this site. Stay focused on your goal of obtaining a permanent residence and job.
Follow a Regular Routine
Once you begin your job or apartment search, follow a regular schedule. Compile a to-do list so you stay on top of your apartment or job-search objectives.
