Second Chance Month is celebrated in April to inform and highlight the importance of second chances for people who have criminal records.
Criminal records can have significant collateral consequences that affect many aspects of a person’s life, including employment, education, public benefits, and housing.
Since 2017, Land of Lincoln has helped over 5,400 Illinoisans with a second chance by assisting in expunging or sealing their criminal records.
Creating a Fresh Start
Tim, a disabled 58-year-old man, was referred to Land of Lincoln through one of our Medical-Legal Partnerships for assistance with an emergency eviction. Tim’s landlord was not maintaining the rental causing an increase cost in utilities and additional medical issues for Tim.
Tim’s attorney referred him to our Client Support Services (CSS) to assist him in finding new housing and other resources to help with the move. It was determined by the attorney and caseworker that Tim would have more success at finding new housing if his criminal records were expunged and/or sealed.
While the eviction case was proceeding, another Land of Lincoln attorney met wit Tim to begin the expungement/sealing process. The attorney filed the petitions with the proper courts and all records were either expunged or sealed. CSS was able to help Tim find new housing along with temporary housing while waiting for his new apartment.
Tim was so thankful for the help Land of Lincoln provided him throughout his journey and feels relieved that if he needs to find housing in the future that his previous criminal record will no longer discourage potential landlords.
If you are looking for a fresh start from your criminal record, call our Fresh Start Project Hotline at (855) 601-9474.