Over 300 Houstonians seized the opportunity for a new beginning at the Harris County Expunction Clinic and Job Fair last Saturday. Held at the Alief Community Center, the clinic, as reported by CW39, drew a diverse crowd including "parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles," all aiming to clear their criminal records and enhance their employment prospects.
The free event, hosted by the Harris County District Attorney's Office, aimed to help people break cycles and move forward. It offered legal help to clear or seal eligible criminal records, along with advice on immigration, housing issues, and child support. CW39 highlighted that the clinic didn’t charge anything or need appointments. Partnering with local schools and legal groups, it also offered job opportunities. Hundreds of people came out to take advantage of this community support.
One attendee, Will Williams, who has been living at the Star of Hope homeless shelter, attended in hopes of finding work and beginning the process to expunge his record. With a 5-year-old son to provide for, Williams was clear about his objective at the clinic. As per a KHOU 11 interview, Williams explained, "I've got a 5-year-old son that I've got to take care of so that was my main objective, was to come here seeking employment". His prior incarcerations being a roadblock to securing a job; he's determined to distance from his past.
Describing the turnout as a testament to the clinic's necessity, Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas noted the significance of such resources. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare spoke at the event, reinforcing that by helping people clear their records, they are targeting crime reduction and recidivism. "The lack of hope is responsible for so much of the crime that we all experience and this gives people hope, an opportunity to get on a different path," Teare stated, as reported by KHOU 11.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office, as per the CW39 report, celebrated the event's impact and is already planning additional clinics and job fairs across the county in the coming months. Participants like Williams, with over 20 years’ experience in construction and logistics, just need the chance, underscoring the importance of the clinic's mission to provide Houstonians with the tools for a fresh start.
