Name: Advancing Fair Access to Housing and Employment: For Those With a Record and Without
Start: 2026-03-23T13:00:00-04:00
Location: Gannon University

Advancing Fair Access to Housing and Employment: For Those With a Record and Without

The Erie County Human Relations Commission is hosting a community panel exploring how criminal history impacts access to housing, employment, and public life in Erie County. The session is designed to build understanding, reduce stigma, and highlight practical approaches that support fair and inclusive opportunities for everyone—both those with a record and those without.
Individuals with criminal records often face barriers that extend far beyond the completion of their sentences, affecting economic stability, family systems, housing security, and overall community wellbeing. This panel will examine how criminal history is considered in decision-making, where discrimination may occur, and how employers, housing providers, service organizations, and community members can foster fair, lawful, and effective practices.
The discussion centers both professional expertise and lived experience. Panelists will include individuals who have navigated barriers related to criminal history, alongside professionals from legal advocacy, workforce and housing services, civil rights enforcement, and community leadership. By elevating voices that reflect resilience, accountability, and success, the panel aims to reduce stigma while highlighting strategies that create equitable opportunities for all.
Additional Resources: Attendees will also have access to information tables and resources from local organizations to learn more about housing, employment, and community support.
Event Details: March 23 at 1:00 PM, Gannon University Yehl Ballroom