The Prison Humanity Project
HomeResource Finder

Find Resources in Your State

Search by category and location to find vetted reentry resources near you. Every card tells you who it's for, what to bring, and what happens next.

My Packet

Immediate Help

— If you just got out, start here

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Immediate Help
EasyUsually same-day.

211 Helpline

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to reach a local specialist who can connect you to emergency shelter, food, crisis support, and essential services right now.

Available in most US communities
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Verification pending

Immediate Help
EasyUsually same-day.

Crisis Text Line

Free, confidential crisis support 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. For mental health emergencies, substance use crises, or when you just need someone to talk to.

Nationwide — text only
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Immediate Help
EasyUsually same-day.

Feeding America — Find a Food Bank

Find your nearest food bank or pantry today. Most locations don't require documentation. Use the online locator or call to find hours and address.

200+ food banks nationwide
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Verification pending

Immediate Help
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Emergency Shelter — Call 211

Find emergency shelter and overnight options in your area. Call 211 and ask specifically for emergency shelter — specialists search available beds in real time. Eligibility varies by shelter; many accept people with felony records.

Nationwide
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Immediate Help
EasyUsually same-day.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use disorders. No insurance required. SAMHSA does not provide direct treatment — it connects callers to local treatment programs.

Nationwide — phone only
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Showing 16 resources

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Start Here
ModerateMay require paperwork.

National Reentry Resource Center

An information and research hub on reentry maintained by the Council of State Governments Justice Center. Provides a program database, publications, and tools for practitioners and policymakers. Not a direct-service hotline.

Nationwide — online resource
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Start Here
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Volunteers of America

Transitional housing, substance use treatment, employment services, and reentry case management in communities across the country. Services vary by local affiliate — call your nearest location to confirm what is available.

Locations in 46 states — services vary by affiliate
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Housing
ModerateMay require paperwork.

HUD Housing Counseling

HUD-approved housing counselors help you find affordable housing, understand your rights as a renter, and navigate housing assistance programs.

Locations in all 50 states
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Verification pending

Housing
ModerateMay require paperwork.

National Alliance to End Homelessness — Resource Locator

Research and policy organization focused on ending homelessness. Their website includes a program locator for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing options. Call 211 for the fastest local shelter referral.

Nationwide — advocacy and research organization
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Housing
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Oxford House — National Recovery Housing

Oxford House is a national network of democratically self-run, self-supported, drug- and alcohol-free shared homes for people recovering from substance use disorders. Houses are gender-specific. Members share household responsibilities and expenses. There is no standard maximum length of stay — a member may remain as long as they stay drug and alcohol free, are not disruptive, and pay their share of expenses. Oxford House is recovery housing, not a treatment provider or government program. Admission is determined by the individual house members.

1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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Verification pending

Housing
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Oxford House Vacancy Locator — Live Openings

The primary live source for current Oxford House openings nationwide. Search by state, county, city, ZIP code, house name, gender/house type, and current vacancies. Listings may include house phone, contact person, interview day and time, capacity, current vacancies, and last updated date. Some listings show houses that allow children where available. Vacancies, contacts, and interview schedules change frequently — always confirm directly with the house.

Nationwide — online locator
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Housing
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Oxford House National Online Membership Application

Allows a person seeking Oxford House membership to submit an application to houses in the area they select. The application lets the applicant specify state, county, gender, and whether they need a house that allows children. It collects recovery, employment and income, treatment, medication, contact, and move-in information. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance — individual houses vote on membership.

Nationwide — online application
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Employment
EasyUsually same-day.

American Job Centers

Federally funded employment centers offering job search assistance, resume help, skills training, and career counseling — available in every state. Use the CareerOneStop locator to find your nearest center.

Locations in all 50 states
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Employment
EasyUsually same-day.

Goodwill Career Centers

Free job training, resume assistance, interview prep, and job placement services at many locations. Services vary by local Goodwill affiliate — call ahead to confirm what is available at your nearest location.

3,000+ locations nationwide — services vary by affiliate
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ID & Documents
EasyUsually same-day.

SSA — Social Security Card Replacement

Replace a lost or stolen Social Security card online or at your local SSA office. Free of charge. You'll need this for employment, benefits, and most ID applications.

SSA offices in all 50 states
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Healthcare
EasyUsually same-day.

HRSA Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers provide primary care, mental health, and dental services on a sliding-fee scale regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.

1,400+ locations nationwide
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Food
ModerateMay require paperwork.

SNAP (Food Stamps) — Find Your State Agency

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card. Apply through your state SNAP agency. Eligibility depends on income and state rules. Some drug conviction restrictions vary by state — many states have lifted them.

Apply through your state SNAP agency
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Legal
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal Help

The Legal Services Corporation funds civil legal aid programs across the country. Use the official LSC locator to find a federally funded legal aid office in your area. LSC-funded programs provide civil legal help — housing, family law, benefits, and record-related matters — to people who cannot afford an attorney.

Nationwide — find your local program at lsc.gov
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Verification pending

Legal
EasyUsually same-day.

ABA Free Legal Answers

The American Bar Association's Free Legal Answers program lets qualifying users post civil legal questions online and receive answers from volunteer attorneys. Covers civil matters including housing, family law, and benefits.

Nationwide — online service
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Verification pending

Family Support
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Family and Youth Services Bureau

Federal programs supporting family reunification, youth services, and domestic violence resources. Includes grants to local organizations that serve returning citizens and their families.

Nationwide — connects to local programs
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Verification pending

Employment
ModerateMay require paperwork.

Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)

Provides immediate transitional employment, job coaching, and employment placement support for people recently involved in the criminal justice system and/or under supervision. Operates in approximately 30 cities. Eligibility varies by location — verify your city is served before presenting as available.

Multiple cities — see website for locations
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Difficulty guide

EasyUsually same-day.
ModerateMay require paperwork.
Takes multiple stepsPlan ahead.

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