Schenectady agrees to public housing pilot for former convicts
The Schenectady Public Housing Authority will allow qualified formerly incarcerated New Yorkers to live in city public housing as part of a pilot program that seeks to reduce rates of recidivism.
The pilot, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration on Friday, will allow qualified former convicts to live with their families in public housing. In addition to Schenectady, Syracuse and White Plains also have opted to participate in the program.
Housing authorities will have the ability to review various factors — including a participant’s criminal background and family structure — to ensure participants do not pose a threat to public safety, according to the administration. The state Department of State will provide funding for case management to track participants, and the Department of Correction and Community Supervision will monitor participants through their parole officers and home visits. Housing authorities may request additional home visits at any time.
“In Schenectady, we are excited and optimistic about this opportunity to reunite and strengthen families, empower individuals, and increase public safety,” Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority Executive Director Richard Homenick said in a statement. “We look forward to providing a fresh start for returning citizens through a supportive network.”
Read more: http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/272762/schenectady-agrees-to-public-housing-pilot-for-former-convicts/