Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ)

Department

Criminal Justice, Criminology, & Forensics

First Advisor

Peter Collins

Second Advisor

Elaine Gunnison

Third Advisor

Allister O’Brien

Abstract

Ex-offenders face a variety of social, economic, and legal barriers to housing due to their criminal convictions. While many of these barriers exist due to the belief that convicted exoffenders are dangerous tenants, few empirical studies have actually evaluated this relationship. This study examines the relationship between criminal history and housing success for formerly homeless and low-income individuals in a supportive housing environment, both with and without criminal histories. Housing outcomes are measured through length of tenancy, lease violations during tenancy, and reasons for leaving. Implications for future research and housing policies are discussed.

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