When it comes to probation and parole in the U.S., there are millions of people who are impacted. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly 4 million adults are under community supervision, being on parole or probation. Those who have recently gotten out of jail or prison may find it challenging to become self-sufficient again. The good news is that there is help for recently released offenders.
The help available for recently released offenders is offered by a variety of sources, including the federal government and organizations. The help that is provided is not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back. The help for recently released offenders is provided as a way to give people a way to overcome the challenges of trying to become self-sufficient.
You are not limited to applying for only one of these programs. Apply for as many as you think you are qualified for or that are close to where you live. There is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time, and the more resources you have that you can turn to the better off you will be. There are programs, often called re-entry programs that will help once you contact them and apply for the assistance.
Help for Recently Released Offenders :::: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Ensuring basic needs are met, including getting enough food to eat, is a priority for everyone. This government program provides people free food each month if you qualify. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. If approved, you will receive an electronic benefit card (EBT), which is like a debit card. The card will be able to be used as a payment source to purchase food at the store. There is no limit to how long you can receive a SNAP benefit. As long as your income is meets the guidelines you can continue to get the benefit. To get more information or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has thousands of locations around the country. They provide a variety of services to assist those in the public. They will also provide help for recently released offenders. Some of the services they offer, depending on location, are transitional living services, free food, clothing, transportation vouchers, substance abuse programs, and more. To get more information, contact a location near you. To find a nearby office, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization provides programs around the country to help people in need. Many of their locations to help with re-entry living programs, which offers help for recently released offenders. They can help with ensuring basic needs are being met, along with providing shelters, free food and clothing, and case management services. To find a location near you, click here.
A New Leaf – This organization offers a re-entry program that aims to help ex-prisoners with transitioning to living back in the community. The program helps with some of the most common issues that recently released offenders need help with, including housing, education, and employment. This program helps anyone who has recently been released, with a goal of helping to reduce the recidivism rate. To get more information about A New Leaf or apply for help, click here.
Volunteers of America – This organization has many volunteers around the country who agree to help others and improve their lives. There are many volunteers who will agree to provide help for recently released offenders. This organization has a mission of helping people to re-build their lives and reach their full potential. They will help people with obtaining employment, housing, and meeting their basic needs. To get more information about Volunteers of America or to contact them to get help, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federally funded program that focuses on the housing need of those in the country. The program will also provide help for recently released offenders. HUD offers a variety of ways that they help people who have a low income and who are a citizen or legal non-citizen. They will help you pay for rent, find affordable housing options in your area, and they also own their own housing units that they allow people to live in for free. To get more information or apply for housing assistance through HUD, click here.
Re-Entry and Housing Coalition – This is another organization that will provide housing help for recently released offenders. Ensuring that you have a place to live is typically the top priority for those who are recently released. Having a place to live will give you the most important tool you need to be able to go on and transition into being self-sufficient. This organization can help meet your needs in finding housing options in your area. They can also answer questions you may have regarding where you can live and what resources are available in your immediate area. To get more information or contact the Re-Entry and Housing Coalition, click here.
Most states have a re-entry program that you can turn to for assistance. If you are unable to locate it on your own, contact the prison or jail you were in and ask if they can provide you with the information regarding the state’s re-entry program. The programs will help in a variety of ways, including with housing, food, clothing, and employment opportunities. You may also be able to get a job referral through the program, so you have a position to start right away.
Another option is to contact churches in your local area. Most churches have programs to help people in the community who are going through challenging times. They may also hold support groups that can be beneficial for those who have been recently released from prison and jails. Turn to the churches to see what type or resources they can provide to help you get on your feet and make ends meet.
