Justice 4 Housing

Our Legislation

Our 2024 Ballot Question to Restore Voting Rights for Incarcerated People was Approved by the AG.

In addition to our advocacy and direct service programs, Justice 4 Housing (J4H) is dedicated to enacting systemic change at the policy level in Massachusetts and beyond. J4H's policy work is driven by our equitable housing "Bible," the Far From Home Report (FFHR). The FFHR was co-authored by J4H and Harvard University's Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) to outline the collateral consequences of discriminatory housing policies against Justice-Impacted Individuals (JIIs) and to put forth 12 policy reforms that must be implemented by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to address these inequities.

The Economic Development Bill has officially passed!

Big news for Justice 4 Housing! With the passage of the Economic Development Bill, we now have critical funding for capital improvements to our programs. Governor Maura Healey officially signed this transformative legislation into law!

This transformative bill paves the way for us provide digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to individuals transitioning out of incarceration, and expanded programming to our Hands On Defense Network. A heartfelt thank you to State Senator Liz Miranda for championing this initiative and to Governor Maura Healey for her unwavering support. This milestone relieves a significant financial burden, allowing us to focus on creating real, sustainable change for our constituents. The future is brighter for those rebuilding their lives, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!

 

Our Bills

No Cost Calls

The No Cost Calls Bill has officially passed!

S.1494 / H.1796

An Act to Keep Families Connected (Senate) / An Act Relative to Telephone Service for Inmates (House)

An Act to Secure Housing for Returnees

S.2096 / H.2987

An Act to Secure Housing for Returnees

Legislation We Support

Clean Slate CORI Sealing

S.979 / H.1598

An Act Providing Easier and Greater Access to Record Sealing

An Act Relative to Unsolved Homicides

(HD.1754 / SD.1617)

Use Your Voice!

Contact Your Legislator

A key aspect of passing progressive legislation is the people’s support. If you agree with our legislative efforts, please take a moment to contact your local state representative and senator. The below document contains contact information for all of the state representatives and senators in Massachusetts. We have also included a link to email and call scripts for our legislation to help guide your conversation.

If you don’t know who your representative or senator is, you can find out here.