Reentry Resources

In addition to finding employment, reentry after incarceration can be challenging. The following online resources provide information and services aimed at assisting justice-involved individuals with the many facets of reentry.

Following are links to information on educational programs and aid. Check with your educational institution for additional information and support.

Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
Federal Student Aid
There are some restrictions, for instance those with felony drug possession convictions are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) External
Information on preparing and registering for the GRE test.
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (U.S Department of Education)
Use this site to find information about student loan forgiveness programs, student loan applications, and grants for students. Note that there may be some limitations for ex-offenders.

The following information is provided on national disability programs. Check with your state to see if there area additional disability benefits programs available.

Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Find information about disability services from the usa.gov site, including about health care coverage including Medicare and Medicaid. Learn about workplace disability insurance, compensation benefits for disabled veterans and Social Security benefits for people with disabilities.
Social Security Disability
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse

The following information primarily focuses on national programs. Check with your local government, faith-based institutions, and other networks for information on additional programs.

Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
Find Your Local Food Bank, Feeding America External
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes meals through food pantries, meal programs, and mobile services throughout the United States.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Food and Nutrition Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Provides links to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) state directory, as well as information about all Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs.

Most grants are given on the institutional level, and those organizations then provide services to specific populations. There are limited grants available for individuals.

Grants.gov
This interface allows you to search for federal grants.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants
SBA grants and cooperative agreements information and eligibility. Most grants are made to organizations, rather than individuals.

Following are links to government health resources.

Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19
This site Includes federal information on health, safety, travel, benefits, and housing in response to the Coronavirus.
HealthCare.gov
Provides information about the Affordable Care Act, including enrollment, coverage, regulation and policy, payments, and local contacts.
Health Care for Re-entry Veterans Services and Resources
VA’s HCRV program is designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among Veterans returning home after incarceration.
Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment
Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements.
Medicare.gov
Information on Applying for Medicare, health & drug plans costs, claims & appeals, forms, local help, and resources.

There is a limited amount of information on federal organizations provided here, as much of the opportunities may be available on your local city, county, or state level governments or through local non-profits and faith-based organizations.

Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
Find Shelter - HUD
HUD information on finding shelter for the homeless or those facing homelessness.
GoSection8 External
This site provides information about subsidized housing rentals offered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as local governments.
Housing Assistance For Veterans
This collaborative program between HUD and VA combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans who are homeless and their families find and sustain permanent housing.
Reentry and Housing Coalition External
A broad coalition of advocates promoting safe, stable, affordable and accessible housing for vulnerable people, including those who have been involved in the criminal or juvenile justice system. Includes a page of reentry and legal resources.
Rental Assistance: Resources in the United States
The Law Library Librarians at the Law Library of Congress developed the information in this blog in response to inquiries they received on the topic of rental assistance resources.

These resources provide information about assistance available on the local level through a state or zip code sort or search.

2-1-1 External
Call, text, or chat with a community resource specialist in your area for information on food programs, housing options, employment, health care, emergency services, and re-entry resources.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) External
AA meetings listed by state.
Benefits.gov
This benefit finder allows you to look for government benefits by category or agency. It links to government information and resources on education, food, housing, disability, Veteran's benefits, and COVID-19.
CareerOneStop Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders. External
Sponsored by Department of Labor, CareerOneStop provides contact information on programs and government offices by state.
Food Banks - Find Your Local Foodback - Feeding America External
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes meals through food pantries, meal programs, and mobile services throughout the United States.
HealthCare.gov - Find Local Help
Find local health care assistance by entering your city, state or zip code.
Libraries - Finding a Local Public Library External
In many cases, you will find that the information you need is available at your local library.
Narcotics Anonymous External
NA is a community-based organization that offers recovery from the effects of addiction through a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meeting. Locate helplines and websites for local groups near you who can assist you in finding a meeting.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) External
The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) is an advocacy group for those with family relationships "affected by mental illness". Locate the NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate closest to you.
National Criminal Justice Initiatives Map External
Lists re-entry services by state
National Hire Network External
This section includes state-specific governmental agencies and community-based organizations to assist people with criminal records, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers. They may be of assistance in providing job-related and legal services, answering questions arising from having a criminal record, or offering referrals to other useful organizations.
National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI)
NRCCFI is the oldest and largest organization in the U.S. focused on children and families of the incarcerated and programs that serve them. This directory lists program that offer services specifically for children and families of the incarcerated.
Re-entry Services Directory, National Reentry Resource Center External
The Reentry Services Directory was developed by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) to help individuals who have been incarcerated and their families find local reentry services. The NRRC has compiled a list of organizations and service providers who can address different reentry needs, including housing, employment, and family reunification.
Residential Reentry Centers
The Bureau of Prisons contracts with residential reentry centers (RRCs), also known as halfway houses, to provide assistance to inmates who are nearing release. You can find listings of facilities and additional information here.
SCORE - Find a Small Business Mentor External
Provides small business mentorship in over 300 U.S. locations. Search by zip code to find an office near you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Veterans Health Services and Resources - Health Care for Re-entry
VA’s HCRV program is designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among Veterans returning home after incarceration. This link includes email contacts for each state.

These organizations provide various support services, including those for addiction, mental health issues, and job training.

Alcoholics Anonymous External
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international mutual aid fellowship with the stated purpose of enabling its members to "stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety." AA meetings are listed by state.
Catholic Charities External
Catholic Charities provides emergency assistance, as well as assistance with education, housing, and workforce development.
Find Shelter - HUD
HUD information on finding shelter for the homeless or those facing homelessness.
Narcotics Anonymous External
NA is a community-based organization that offers recovery from the effects of addiction through a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) External
NAMI is an advocacy group for those with family relationships "affected by mental illness". NAMI's programs and services include education, support groups, informational publications, and presentations.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline External
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) connects you with a 24 hour crisis center
Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center External
The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Light Programs offer spiritual, emotional, and social assistance. Free programs provide housing, food, counseling, community, and employment.
SCORE External
Provides small business mentorship in over 300 U.S. locations. Search by zip code to find an office near you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Youth Reentry External
Information for young people leaving juvenile justice residential placement, and their family and friends.

Reentry and Employment Resources for Justice-Involved Individuals

Ask a librarian : Business

Business Reference: Ask a Librarian

Reentry Resources