Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gabriel Telleria

Abstract

There is a problem with the availability of permanent housing for ex-offenders, which increases the number of homeless ex-offenders, increasing the potential for recidivism that leads to inflated federal, state, and local incarceration budgets and higher taxpayer burdens. However, not much is known regarding the barriers ex-offenders face when seeking permanent housing in Anchorage, Alaska. Narrowing this knowledge gap was the purpose of this study, which was guided by Schneider and Ingram's social construction framework theory. The research goal of this study was to examine how the perception of ex-offenders and the external environment affect the ex-offender's ability of obtaining housing. A qualitative case study design was employed with convenience and criterion purposive sampling of 12 participants (4 ex-offenders, 4 landlords, and 4 housing providers). Structured telephone interviews addressed challenges associated with locating permanent housing when having a criminal felony record to better understand the barriers associated with ex-offenders securing permanent housing. Five themes were identified: housing denials and homelessness, negative societal stigma/reaction, restrictive public housing policies, political environment, advocacy, and rehabilitation. The results from this study reinforced the idea that stable housing is a foundational aspect of successful community reintegration, and there is need for improved collaborations between government and housing providers to aid in streamlining the housing search process. The study contributes to social change by providing information for practitioners and policy makers to consider when developing or revising programs that support housing reentry for ex-offenders.

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