Who we are and what we do...
Hands Up Illinois provides information and services directly to and specifically for individuals listed on public criminal registries. This unique and growing population faces all of the difficulties encountered by any ex-felon, plus a host of challenges that are unique to those who are listed on a public registry.
While having a felony record in and of itself creates difficulties in finding suitable housing and employment opportunities, having a conviction for a sex offense exacerbates these difficulties. Those on the registry report having trouble finding housing, not only because of the reticence of landlords in renting to them, but also because of legal restrictions regarding where registered sex offenders can and cannot live. Similarly, employment opportunities are even more difficult to find because of legal restrictions and social trepidation. And unlike most ex-felons, who are relatively restriction-free once they complete parole or probation, those on public registries must continue to navigate a host of requirements and restrictions imposed on them by the various registration act. These acts are perpetually amended by the Illinois Legislature and even those who follow it closely are often confused as to what is and what is not allowed or required by law.
Hands Up Illinois fills the gap left by other organizations that provide general support services to ex-felons. Hands Up Illinois creates employment opportunities by harnessing existing business relationships, or by helping others start businesses, specifically geared toward the unique restrictions and limitations faced by those on the registry. By maintaining a repository of information about employment and housing opportunities, Hands Up Illinois is a resource for those on the registry to draw on when looking for work or housing. In addition, by organizing volunteer committees to study and analyze the legal and social restrictions that result from being on the registry, Hands Up Illinois is a starting point for individuals who need information about what is and what is not allowed or required of them by law. Finally, Hands Up Illinois plans to conduct seminars for individuals on public registries to provide information and techniques on job hunting, finding housing, navigating relationships, and coping with life while being listed on a public registry.
While having a felony record in and of itself creates difficulties in finding suitable housing and employment opportunities, having a conviction for a sex offense exacerbates these difficulties. Those on the registry report having trouble finding housing, not only because of the reticence of landlords in renting to them, but also because of legal restrictions regarding where registered sex offenders can and cannot live. Similarly, employment opportunities are even more difficult to find because of legal restrictions and social trepidation. And unlike most ex-felons, who are relatively restriction-free once they complete parole or probation, those on public registries must continue to navigate a host of requirements and restrictions imposed on them by the various registration act. These acts are perpetually amended by the Illinois Legislature and even those who follow it closely are often confused as to what is and what is not allowed or required by law.
Hands Up Illinois fills the gap left by other organizations that provide general support services to ex-felons. Hands Up Illinois creates employment opportunities by harnessing existing business relationships, or by helping others start businesses, specifically geared toward the unique restrictions and limitations faced by those on the registry. By maintaining a repository of information about employment and housing opportunities, Hands Up Illinois is a resource for those on the registry to draw on when looking for work or housing. In addition, by organizing volunteer committees to study and analyze the legal and social restrictions that result from being on the registry, Hands Up Illinois is a starting point for individuals who need information about what is and what is not allowed or required of them by law. Finally, Hands Up Illinois plans to conduct seminars for individuals on public registries to provide information and techniques on job hunting, finding housing, navigating relationships, and coping with life while being listed on a public registry.
