Transitional Housing Programs: A Lifeline After Prison

Coming home from prison is challenging. The first night of freedom can feel both exciting and scary. You might feel hopeful, but it’s normal to worry: Where will I sleep? How do I start over when so many things feel challenging?

Transitional housing programs can help answer these questions. These programs aren’t just places to sleep. They are safe spaces that help people who were in prison start fresh. They offer things like supportive staff, help finding jobs, meeting other people in the same situation, and making a new plan for life.

If you’re searching for help, our Resource Map can make the process a little easier.

Real Stories: Richard’s Journey Through Transitional Housing

Hearing from people who’ve been through it makes all the difference. Richard shares his powerful story of moving from incarceration to restoration with the help of transitional housing and community support.

What Is Transitional Housing and How Does It Work?

Transitional housing is a place to stay after leaving prison. But most offer more than that. These programs often provide you with a case manager, help finding a job, support for staying sober, and a community of people who understand what you’re going through.

Some programs last a month, while others last up to a year. The rules are different at each place, but the main goal is to help people find safety, structure, and support.

“I was ordered to go to a transitional housing program and the only one that accepted me in the Bay Area, where my support network was located, was a halfway house. There, I started to feel human again. I could make my own meals and use my own phone. Having that freedom, plus support from the staff, helped me start over.” — Eric McDonnell, “A Home After Prison: There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” Shelterforce, November 4, 2019.

Is Transitional Housing Safe?

Having a safe and stable place to live after prison can make all the difference. Transitional housing gives people the support and structure they need to focus on finding a job, reconnecting with family, and building a future.

Some people worry that transitional homes are chaotic or unsafe, but that’s often not the case. In many states, agencies oversee these homes and the services they offer. Plenty of transitional programs are well-run, with caring staff and houses that fit right into the neighborhood.

Safe housing isn’t just about a roof over your head—it’s about having a solid starting point. When people have a stable place to live, it’s easier to meet with parole officers, find work, access healthcare, and stay on track.

What to Expect on the First Day

Every program is different, but most will have intake documentation to review and sign. This process may take 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the agency. House rules will be reviewed, you’ll get a tour, be shown your space, and introduced to anyone who’s home. Some homes even partner with local reentry organizations to provide “Day One” services, such as transportation from the prison to the parole office for check-in, stops at a food bank or clothing closet, and a ride to your new home.

Typical Rules of Transitional Housing

• Zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use
• Curfew (varies by program) and quiet hours
• Visitation policy (some allow visitors, others don’t, and some have special rules for parents and children)
• Required resident chores (often on a rotating list)
• Respect for housemates and program staff
• Fee policies and deadlines

National and Local Resources: Where to Look

There are some well-known national housing programs and resources, though many focus on recovery housing. These can be useful both for those seeking sobriety support and those simply needing a safe place to land.

• Oxford House: A national network of recovery homes with locations in nearly every state. Their website allows you to search for vacancies by location, which can be a huge help if you need a spot quickly. Search Oxford House vacancies here.
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR): NARR has affiliates in many states that help oversee the quality of recovery housing. The affiliate in your state can often provide up-to-date info and resources for finding reputable programs. Find your state’s affiliate here.
• Correctional Agency Housing Programs: Many state and local correctional agencies have housing programs for people under supervision. These options can range from transitional and temporary housing to permanent supportive housing. If you or your loved one is on supervision, it’s worth connecting with the supervising agency to explore what’s available.
• GEO Reentry Connect Resource Map: Search for transitional housing and other reentry resources by location. This interactive map helps individuals, families, and professionals find support close to home. Use the map now.
• Halfway House Directory: Online database of federal, state, and local halfway houses and transitional programs. Go to their directory here.
• 211.org: Dial 211 or search the website for programs in your area to connect you to community resources throughout the U.S. Access 211 website here.
• Safer Foundation: Services and housing options, especially in Illinois. Visit their website.
• A New Way of Life: For women and families, based in Los Angeles, with national advocacy and resources. Find them here.

Spotlight: Programs Making a Difference

There isn’t just one kind of transitional housing. Some programs are run by nonprofits, others by the government, and some by churches or faith groups. They can be found in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, but sometimes they’re hard to find.

• The Fortune Society (New York, NY): Their “Castle” residence in Harlem provides not only a safe place to stay but also legal help, job training, and on-site health services. Residents have access to peer mentors—people who’ve been through the system themselves.
• Delancey Street Foundation (San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more): This peer-run program is famous for its tough-love model: residents run businesses, help each other stay sober, and learn everything from cooking to bookkeeping. It’s a full-immersion approach to rebuilding life skills.
• Hope for Prisoners (Las Vegas, NV): This program focuses on mentorship and wraparound support. Every resident is paired with a mentor, often someone who’s been incarcerated themselves, and families are encouraged to participate in counseling and reunification services.
• A New Way of Life Reentry Project (Los Angeles, CA): Focused on women reentry, this program offers trauma-informed care, parenting support, legal services, and advocacy for policy change. Founder Susan Burton’s own experience with incarceration shapes everything they do.
• Safer Foundation (Chicago, IL): This program offers beds for people with felony backgrounds, plus job placement, education, and behavioral health services. They partner with local employers to create a smoother path to employment.

For Families: What to Ask, What to Expect

Reentry is not only hard for the person coming home, but for families too. Transitional housing can give everyone time to reconnect. Some programs offer family reunification services, counseling, or workshops to help everyone adjust. If your loved one is coming home, don’t be afraid to reach out to the program staff—they want you involved.

Questions to Ask:

• Can I see a copy of the house/program rules? Some programs have strict requirements, while others are more flexible and allow for greater independence. As a family member, you’ll want to know what your loved one is signing up for.
• What will my loved one need on move-in day? Some homes provide bedding, basic hygiene products, or have a communal food pantry. Ask what’s provided so you can plan ahead.
• What is the visitation policy?
• Are there family counseling or parenting classes?
• How long can my loved one stay?
• What’s the process for moving to permanent housing?

“The best thing was family therapy. We got to talk through everything that happened, and I felt like I wasn’t carrying all the weight alone anymore.” — Maria, spouse of a former resident

For Reentry Professionals: How to Help People Find Transitional Housing

If you’re working with people coming out of prison, know your local landscape. Build relationships with program staff, understand eligibility requirements, and advocate fiercely—beds fill up fast and waitlists are real. Help your clients understand that transitional housing isn’t a setback; it’s a launchpad.

Pro Tips:

• Keep a list of programs, contact names, and eligibility details.
• Prepare clients for intake interviews (honesty and readiness to follow rules matter).
• Stay involved after placement; check-ins can make all the difference.

Tips and Realities

Getting into transitional housing is not always easy. There are lots of people who need help, and sometimes there are waiting lists. Here’s what you can do:

• Start early: If possible, begin the application process before release. Prison social workers or case managers can help.
• Gather documents: ID, release papers, and any court orders or parole details will be needed.
• Stay persistent: If you’re waitlisted, keep checking in. Sometimes a spot opens on short notice.
• Ask about fees: Some programs are free, others charge a sliding-scale rent, and a few require payment up front.

An Open Door to Second Chances

Transitional housing programs offer people coming home from prison a chance to start fresh. If you or someone you care about is returning home, remember—you’re not alone. There are people and resources ready to help you take the next steps forward.

If you’re a professional or a family member, your encouragement matters. A safe place to land can change everything.

Are you a housing provider or reentry professional with transitional housing opportunities to share? Contact us here to connect about partnerships, list your program, or collaborate with our team.

If you’re looking for support services, visit our Mentorship & Reentry Programs page to find guidance near you.