CHUM Center and Community Partners Work on Landlord Incentive Program

Program would give landlords incentives and insurance for renting to those with criminal convictions.

Minnesota leads the nation in the recidivism rate at 61%. It means that in three years those with a criminal past are more than likely to end up in jail again or will revisit their past crimes.

Many believe that finding adequate housing for these individuals will give them the chance they need to succeed.

Jamal Jarmon admits he’s made a few mistakes in the past. He has no rental history and said that trying to find a place to rent has been horrible.

He has stayed at the CHUM Center and with friends and family, but he’s ready to find a place to call home.

“Just give me the shot to prove myself that’s what I’m asking give me that and I promise I won’t let you down,” said Jarmon.

Jeff Linder owns sixty-five rental properties and admits that renting to someone with a criminal record isn’t ideal.

“You want to take the best tenant you possibly can,” said Linder.

But with the idea of a landlord incentive program that would protect Jeff and other landlords in case anything were to go wrong, he’s open to giving someone a second chance.

“The goal is for them to get in with everybody together in the program that they can stay in,” said Linder.

It’s estimated that 1,800 felons come into St. Louis County every year and some say that finding housing might give the felons the steps they need to stay off the streets and not behind bars.

“They need a place that feels like home. It’s a secure, nice place to live for everyone, not just people that have a spotless record,” said Daris Nordby, CHUM advocate.

Jamal’s ready to open a new door, one that goes into his own home.

“If you’ve got something to call your own, nine times out of ten, you’re going to work to keep it that way, you’re own,” said Jarmon.

The CHUM Center is taking input from landlords and the community as they take this incentive program from idea to reality.