A Chicago landlord and affordable housing operator is voicing support for the Home for Good legislation (HB5737), a bill aimed at expanding rental assistance and support services for individuals returning from prison. Ashley Thomas, who manages 14 rental properties across Chicago neighborhoods including Austin, Woodlawn, Auburn Gresham, and South Shore, emphasized the importance of providing stable housing to formerly incarcerated renters as a pathway to community stability.
Thomas highlighted that her rental portfolio, which consists of single-family homes and small multifamily units primarily in historically eviction-prone areas, has not experienced any evictions under her management. She attributes this success to an approach grounded in empathy and collaboration with tenants, including those who face challenges following incarceration. According to Thomas, offering safe housing is critical to helping people overcome obstacles such as poor credit history, employment difficulties, and previous evictions—factors that often discourage other landlords from renting to justice-impacted individuals.
Home for Good, currently under consideration in Illinois, seeks to expand financial incentives for landlords willing to rent to people recently released from prison. The bill would increase rental assistance funding and provide additional wraparound services designed to support employment, mental and physical health, and skills development. Thomas argues that these measures not only help individuals reintegrate successfully but also make economic sense by reducing the likelihood of recidivism and costly tenant turnover.
“I have three tenants who were formerly incarcerated, and each has a unique story and distinct challenges,” Thomas said. “Home for Good is about giving people a second chance.” She further urged lawmakers to approve the bill and forward it to the governor's office this fall.
The legislation reflects a broader effort to address barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking stable housing, a recognized factor in reducing repeat offenses and promoting long-term community well-being. Supporters contend that empowering landlords as critical partners in reentry services can strengthen neighborhood stability in areas historically affected by high eviction rates and systemic disinvestment.