Every year, thousands of individuals are released from correctional facilities across Canada without a safe or stable place to live.

They leave with limited resources and are expected to rebuild their lives—yet one of the most critical foundations for success is often missing: housing.

Research consistently shows that stable housing is one of the strongest predictors of successful reintegration. The Correctional Service of Canada has identified unstable housing as a key risk factor for post-release failure, including return to custody. 

At the same time, national housing research shows that people leaving incarceration face major barriers to securing housing, including stigma from landlords, long waitlists for social housing, and a severe shortage of affordable units.

The result is a preventable and harmful cycle.

Without stable housing, people are far more likely to:

- Experience homelessness 
- Return to substance use 
- Struggle to access employment, healthcare, and support systems 
- Reoffend and return to custody 

Research supports this reality. Studies show that a significant portion of individuals released from custody experience housing instability or homelessness within their first year, and that homelessness is directly associated with higher rates of rearrest and reoffending. 

On the other hand, when stable housing is available, outcomes improve. Access to housing has been shown to reduce recidivism, increase employment, and support long-term recovery and stability.

This is not just about individual outcomes—it is about community safety.

If we want safer communities, we must invest in successful reintegration. Releasing people into homelessness or instability does not reduce crime—it increases the likelihood of it.

We cannot expect people to succeed while denying them the most basic foundation to do so.

We are calling on federal and provincial governments to mandate that all correctional facilities provide or secure access to safe, stable housing for every individual upon release.

This includes:

- Guaranteed transitional housing placements prior to release 
- Partnerships with community housing providers and nonprofits 
- Individualized release planning that includes housing as a core requirement 
- Sustained funding for long-term reintegration housing solutions 

Housing is not a privilege—it is a basic human need and a proven public safety strategy.

When people have a safe place to live, they are more likely to find employment, access healthcare, rebuild relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.

If we are serious about reducing crime, improving public safety, and creating stronger communities, then housing must be part of the solution.

Sign this petition to support safer communities through real, evidence-based solutions.

Because successful reintegration begins with a place to call home.

Sincerely, 
The Good Wolf Foundation