TDCJ Reentry & Integration Division
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Reentry and Integration Division coordinates pre-release planning, community resource connections, and transition services for people leaving Texas state prisons.
Texas Legal Services Center — Reentry
The Texas Legal Services Center provides free legal assistance to low-income Texans, including people returning from incarceration. Services include benefits access, housing rights, and record-related legal help.
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.
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.
Texas DPS — State ID / Driver License
Get or replace your Texas state ID or driver license at any Texas DPS driver license office. TDCJ may assist with obtaining your ID before release — ask your case manager.
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.
Texas Homeless Network
The Texas Homeless Network maintains a statewide directory of emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing programs. Use their resource locator to find options in your area.
HUD Housing Counseling
HUD-approved housing counselors help you find affordable housing, understand your rights as a renter, and navigate housing assistance programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Texas Workforce Commission — Workforce Solutions
Texas Workforce Commission operates Workforce Solutions offices across the state, providing free job search, resume help, skills training, and employer connections — including services for returning citizens.
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.
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.
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.
Texas HHSC — SNAP Benefits
Apply for SNAP (food stamps) through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Texas lifted the lifetime SNAP ban for drug felonies — most returning citizens are eligible if they meet income requirements.
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.
Texas HHSC — Medicaid and CHIP
Texas has NOT expanded Medicaid. Most adults without dependent children do not qualify for Texas Medicaid. However, if you have children, are pregnant, have a disability, or are 65+, you may qualify. Use the HHSC benefits portal to check.
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.
We're still verifying a Texas-specific resource for this category.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Free civil legal services for low-income Texans in East and Southeast Texas, including Houston. Covers housing, family law, benefits, and some record-related matters.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Free civil legal services for low-income Texans in South and West Texas. Covers housing, family law, benefits, immigration, and consumer issues.
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.
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.
TDCJ Parole Division
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division supervises people on parole statewide. Report to your assigned parole officer as directed by your release 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.