Vetted organizations, detailed instructions, and direct links to services across six essential categories
Step-by-step guides for obtaining birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state IDs
Job training, resume help, interview prep, and connections to second-chance employers
Transitional housing, rental assistance, and second-chance landlord directories
Free business training, microloans, and support for starting your own business
Trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and affordable health services
Free legal assistance, record sealing, and know-your-rights information
Start here: Six essential resources every returning citizen should know about
Search 400,000+ programs nationwide by ZIP code. Food, housing, health, jobs, and more.
Visit WebsiteFree 8-week business training program. No cost, no prerequisites. Proven track record.
Visit WebsiteBusiness loans exclusively for people with records. Flexible terms, fair rates, mentorship included.
Visit WebsiteFree employment services in every state. Resume help, job training, employer connections.
Visit WebsiteFind mental health and substance use treatment near you. 13,000+ programs nationwide.
Visit WebsiteConnect with free legal aid for expungement, housing discrimination, and employment rights.
Visit WebsiteA proven, step-by-step plan for the first 90 days after release. Each phase builds on the last.
Birth certificate, Social Security card, and state ID are your foundation. We'll show you exactly how to get each one, even without existing ID.
Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and restart suspended Social Security benefits. These programs exist to support your transition.
Connect with American Job Centers, complete skills training, or start your entrepreneurship journey. Multiple pathways available.
Transitional housing, public housing, or private rentals with second-chance landlords. Housing stability enables everything else.
Continue education, grow your business, strengthen family connections, and give back to your community.
The nation's largest resource directory—here's how to get the most out of it
No account needed to search. Free to use.
Type "food pantry," "job training," "housing," "reentry services," or any specific need
Results show programs near you, sorted by distance
Food, Housing, Health, Work, Legal, Transit, Education, Money, Care, Goods
Hours, eligibility, required documents, and contact information
Call programs directly or use the platform to send referrals
Pro Tip: Create a free account to save your favorite programs and track your applications. Search "reentry services" to access curated folders specifically for returning citizens.
Your birth certificate is the foundation document required for all other IDs. Here's how to get it:
Essential for employment and benefits. The SSA has special programs for returning citizens:
Required for employment, housing, and daily transactions:
Over 500 businesses have been launched by graduates of entrepreneurship programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, with several generating over $1 million in annual revenue. Starting your own business offers a path to financial stability without facing employment discrimination.
Access $50,000-$300,000+ in business capital regardless of your personal credit history. Business credit is completely separate from personal credit—your past doesn't define your business future.
💡 Key Insight
Business credit scores appear on different bureaus than personal credit (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business). Lenders evaluate your business's payment history, not your personal credit score or criminal record.