Cambridge Second Chance Program Helps Secure Housing for City’s Most Vulnerable Residents With Criminal Records

The Cambridge Police Department and the Cambridge Community Court today announced a new initiative specifically designed to support long-term, unhoused residents who have not been able to secure housing due to their criminal records. Through the Cambridge Second Chance Program, members of the Cambridge Police Department’s Clinical Support Unit work with eligible residents and various partners through the Cambridge Community Court to seal their statutorily-eligible CORI (criminal offender record information). 

Elana Klein, Licensed Independent Social Worker with the Cambridge Police Department’s Clinical Support Unit, founded the initiative with Assistant Middlesex District Attorney Ryan McCaffrey in January 2021 after working closely with Judge Ina Howard-Hogan, the Clerk’s Office, Defense Attorneys and the many service providers associated with the Cambridge Community Court (formerly the Cambridge Homeless Court). One resident secured housing earlier this week, while two other residents are currently in the process of securing housing with the Cambridge Housing Authority after having their CORI sealed.

One such resident is a woman in her 60s, who has been homeless for the past 23 years and currently lives in a Cambridge shelter. After struggling with substance use disorders and spending time in and out of jail, Sarah* is coming up on four years of sobriety without any criminal incidents. While she has actively been seeking housing during her sobriety, Sarah has not been able to secure a placement due in large part because of her past criminal record. After connecting with Klein at the Cambridge Police Department and getting her CORI sealed, Sarah is looking forward to moving into her own apartment in the coming month(s) for the first time in over two decades.

“This is very labor-intensive work that involves extensive coordination with many providers, the District Attorney’s Office, Courts, Clerk’s Office and many partners throughout the City and region,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. “While the goal of securing stable housing for our most vulnerable residents is shared by most, making this goal a reality cannot occur without the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, housing advocates and the court system. The residents eligible for this program have demonstrated a willingness to better their life and just need a second chance. This initiative gives them that opportunity. The early outcomes speak to the commitment and lengths that the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Police Department and our many partners will go to support Cambridge’s most vulnerable residents.”

“This initiative is an important part of our efforts to address the collateral consequences of the criminal system,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan. “Understanding that court-involved individuals can continue to have a different set of challenges in securing housing, cross-agency collaboration is essential to ease the burden and to help people get a fresh start. The Cambridge Second Chance program provides the support and opportunities for people who want to improve their lives to reintegrate successfully into their communities, reduce recidivism and strengthen family relations.”

“I want to thank the Cambridge Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Cambridge Community Court, and the City’s housing partners for identifying ways to eliminate barriers that prevent Cambridge’s most vulnerable residents from securing housing,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.

If any unhoused residents who fit this criteria are interested in participating in the Cambridge Second Chance Program, they should contact their Housing Case Manager or the Cambridge Police Clinical Support Unit.

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*Note: a different name is being used to protect their identity.