It is difficult for someone who has completed their parole to find a place to live when they may have little in the way of money to start. It turns out that they can never be helped in a housing program because of a mistake in their past.
Our society is ruthlessly unforgiving of foolish criminals. Substance abuse in the earlier years of an individual”s life is often at the root of a crime … and after recovery, we find that they are really kindhearted people now trying to do their best. What can we do to not close the few doors open to them and give them a chance like God has given us? Consider Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ”s sake has forgiven you.”
Some are not aware that the few official low-income housing sites in Lake County not only expect applicants to pass their credit check but they refuse to rent to those who have a felony on their record. Many people end up being convicted for felonies, not because the crime was so great but because they got angry at the wrong people at the wrong time. They did foolish things like struggle when getting arrested or yelling at the judge in the courtroom. Regardless, everyone needs a place to live.
Pamlan Wood
Lakeport
