Last Updated on: May 13, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Austin.
Austin has a strong network of reentry resources for people with criminal records. Below you will find an updated list of all reentry tools, programs and resources. You will find support with housing, employment, legal aid, education, mental health, substance use counseling, and related reentry needs and more.
Notice: For statewide help and/or other Texas cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in Texas. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
List of Reentry Programs in Austin, Texas
Travis County Reentry Resources
Address: Multiple locations throughout Travis County
Phone: (512) 854-6497
Best For: People returning from incarceration seeking comprehensive reentry support, job training, and case management services.
What It Offers: Job search assistance, resume building, individualized reentry planning, employment readiness training, and connections to housing, healthcare, and other community resources.
Austin/Travis County Reentry Roundtable
Address: 3000 Oak Springs Drive, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 926-5301
Best For: People with criminal records seeking a coordinated entry point to multiple reentry services and community resources.
What It Offers: A collaborative network that connects formerly incarcerated people and individuals with criminal histories to housing, employment, legal aid, education, healthcare, and family support services.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Rehabilitation and Reentry Division
Address: 4616 W Howard Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78728
Phone: (512) 671-2134 or Toll-Free (877) 887-6151
Best For: People recently released from TDCJ facilities seeking reentry planning and resources.
What It Offers: Three-phase reentry programming for adult offenders, medical and mental health coordination, employment assistance, and comprehensive reentry and integration planning.
Texas Reach Out Ministries, Inc.
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: Call through Reentry Roundtable
Best For: People seeking faith-based reentry support and services.
What It Offers: Christian-based reentry services including housing referrals, employment assistance, and spiritual counseling for justice-involved individuals.
UT Expunction Project
Address: University of Texas School of Law, 727 East Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 471-5151
Best For: People eligible for record expungement seeking free legal assistance from law students.
What It Offers: Free expunction clinic services in spring and fall where students help people seal criminal records and clear arrest information.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Austin
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Austin and Travis County. Some programs provide transitional housing directly, while others connect people to shelters, sober living, supportive housing, or coordinated entry services.
For a larger housing guide, visit Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing – How to Find Housing With a Criminal Record.
Travis County Residential Center
Address: 1212 East Anderson Lane, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: (512) 441-8123
Best For: Parolees and people transitioning from incarceration needing short-term structured housing.
What It Offers: State-funded and private pay transitional housing with a 90-day limit for people on parole, with case management and employment support.
Austin Transitional Center (CoreCivic)
Address: 1212 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: (512) 441-8123
Best For: People in need of residential treatment and reentry programming after incarceration.
What It Offers: 421-bed co-ed residential treatment center offering education, substance abuse treatment, workforce development, and comprehensive reentry services.
A New Entry, Inc.
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: (512) 636-1445
Best For: Men and women seeking alcohol-free, drug-free transitional housing with employment support.
What It Offers: Christian transitional housing with meals, case management, cognitive development programs, and employment assistance for people working toward independence.
Foundation for the Homeless
Address: Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 453-6570
Best For: Homeless and formerly incarcerated people needing shelter and case management.
What It Offers: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, and support services to help people stabilize and reintegrate into the community.
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH)
Address: 500 East 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-4100
Best For: Homeless individuals seeking daytime services, overnight shelter, and resource connections.
What It Offers: First point of entry for homeless services with daytime resource center, overnight shelter, showers, meals, job training referrals, and connections to permanent housing.
Blackland Community Development Corporation
Address: 2005 Salina Street, Austin, TX 78722
Phone: (512) 220-8751
Best For: Homeless single and married parents needing transitional housing and support services.
What It Offers: Transitional housing, case management, parenting support, employment assistance, and connections to child development services.
Austin Travis County Integral Care Residential Services
Address: 403 East 15th Street Building B, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 804-3526
Best For: People with mental health or substance abuse conditions seeking residential treatment and housing.
What It Offers: Transitional residential treatment, substance abuse treatment with housing, mental health services, and case management for stabilization and recovery.
Salvation Army Social Services Center
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: (512) 933-0600
Best For: Homeless women and children needing emergency shelter and transitional support.
What It Offers: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, job training referrals, and services to help families rebuild stability.
Caritas of Austin
Address: Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 477-1099
Best For: Homeless and working poor people, including refugees and formerly incarcerated individuals.
What It Offers: Free shelter, transitional housing, community kitchen with meals, case management, and comprehensive support services.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Austin/Travis County
Housing can be difficult with a felony record, especially when landlords use background checks. Do not pay application fees until you ask whether felony records are automatic denials or reviewed individually.
For more help, read Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing – How to Find Housing With a Criminal Record. You may also want to review our guide to Public Housing for Felons.
Housing Authority of Austin
Address: 1124 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 477-4488
Best For: Low-income people seeking affordable public housing or Section 8 housing vouchers.
What It Offers: Public housing units, Section 8 rental assistance vouchers, and lease-purchase programs to help people secure stable, affordable housing.
Housing Authority of Travis County
Address: 1124 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 854-8245
Best For: Low-income Travis County residents needing affordable public housing assistance.
What It Offers: Public housing, Section 8 vouchers, lease-purchase programs, and connections to supportive housing for people with criminal records.
Austin Tenants’ Council
Address: 1640-B East 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 474-7006
Best For: Renters facing discrimination or housing issues related to criminal records.
What It Offers: Legal assistance with housing discrimination complaints, tenant rights education, and support navigating background check and criminal record barriers.
Travis County Community Centers – Housing Referral Services
Address: Multiple locations throughout Travis County
Phone: (512) 854-4120
Best For: Travis County residents seeking public housing information and rental assistance programs.
What It Offers: Referrals to housing programs, emergency rental assistance, housing application guidance, and connections to reentry-friendly landlords and resources.
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
Address: 4920 North Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 374-2700 or (833) 329-8752
Best For: Low-income people facing housing discrimination due to criminal records or other legal housing issues.
What It Offers: Free legal representation for housing matters, including assistance fighting discrimination, understanding tenant rights, and resolving landlord disputes.
211 Texas (United Way)
Address: Countywide resource, available by phone
Phone: Dial 211 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
Best For: Anyone seeking immediate information on housing, food, healthcare, and emergency assistance in Travis County.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals in English and Spanish to local housing resources, shelters, emergency assistance, and support services.
Emergency Food, Clothing, and Basic Needs
If you just got out of jail or prison and need food, clothing, hygiene items, emergency shelter, or benefits, start with these resources.
For more options, read Emergency Financial Help for Felons. You can also check whether you qualify for Food Stamps (SNAP) as a Felon.
Central Texas Food Bank
Address: 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 282-2111
Best For: Travis County residents needing emergency food assistance through a network of local agencies.
What It Offers: Food distribution through 250+ partner agencies, mobile pantries throughout the region, and referrals to SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition assistance programs.
Baptist Community Center Mission (BCCM)
Address: Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 678-1936
Best For: Travis County residents seeking walk-in food assistance without appointments.
What It Offers: Year-round walk-in food pantry open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday starting at 8:30 a.m. with fresh and shelf-stable items.
Travis County Community Centers – Food Pantries
Address: Central Austin: 5325 Airport Boulevard; East Austin: 3401 E. Webberville Road; South Austin: 2201 Post Road
Phone: (512) 854-4120
Best For: Travis County residents seeking food, emergency financial assistance, and other basic needs support.
What It Offers: Food pantries, emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing closets, case management, and referrals to additional community resources.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Address: 901 West Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 251-6995
Best For: Low-income Austin residents needing emergency financial assistance and food.
What It Offers: Emergency financial assistance with rent, utilities, prescriptions, food vouchers, furniture, clothing, and baby supplies for people in crisis.
Loaves and Fishes
Address: 1320 East 51st Street, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 458-3693
Best For: People experiencing food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness.
What It Offers: Free food pantry, furniture and clothing bank, household supplies, financial assistance for bills and emergencies, and case management services.
Austin Disability Rights
Address: Multiple service locations
Phone: Contact through Central Texas Food Bank
Best For: People with disabilities needing accessible food and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: Food pantry access, emergency financial assistance, and referrals to disability-specific support services and resources.
211 Texas (United Way)
Address: Countywide resource, available by phone
Phone: Dial 211 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Best For: Anyone seeking information on emergency food, basic needs, and other community resources in Travis County.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals in English and Spanish to local food banks, emergency financial assistance, SNAP benefits, and community support services.
Free or Low Cost Healthcare and Mental Health Help
Many people coming home from jail or prison need medication, therapy, addiction treatment, dental care, mental health care, or a primary doctor. These Austin resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Austin Travis County Integral Care
Address: Main office: 1700 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704; Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 472-4357 (24/7 helpline)
Best For: People with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
What It Offers: 24/7 crisis helpline, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, outpatient and inpatient treatment, employment services, housing support, and comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Austin Public Health Department
Address: Multiple clinics throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 972-5590
Best For: Uninsured and low-income Austin residents needing affordable healthcare services.
What It Offers: Primary care clinics, sexually transmitted infection testing, family planning, immunizations, maternal health services, and chronic disease management on a sliding fee scale.
Committed to Longer Life Expectancy (CLLE)
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: (512) 458-2437
Best For: People living with HIV/AIDS seeking comprehensive medical and social support services.
What It Offers: HIV/AIDS care, antiretroviral therapy, case management, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and peer support groups.
Texas Health and Human Services – Medicaid
Address: Apply online or at local office
Phone: 1-877-541-7905
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking health insurance coverage.
What It Offers: Free or low-cost health insurance, including coverage for primary care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and prescription medications.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: (512) 326-0200
Best For: People seeking reproductive health services, STI testing, and contraception on a sliding fee scale.
What It Offers: Contraception, STI and pregnancy testing, gynecological exams, cancer screenings, and reproductive health counseling.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National phone and referral service
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: Substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals nationwide
What It Offers: SAMHSA provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment providers for mental health and substance abuse needs.
Legal Help, Expungement, and Documents
Legal help can make a major difference after incarceration. People may need help clearing records, reducing charges, getting IDs, handling warrants, dealing with child support, fixing tickets, or understanding employment rights. For more on record clearing, see our Felony Expungement & Sealing Information. You may also find our guides to Background Check Laws and Seven Year Background Check States helpful.
Travis County Law Library – Expunction Reference Attorney
Address: Travis County Courts Building
Phone: (512) 854-1631
Best For: People arrested in Travis County but not convicted seeking free expunction assistance.
What It Offers: Free consultation and legal guidance on expunctions for arrests that did not result in convictions, helping people clear criminal records.
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
Address: 4920 North Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 374-2700 or (833) 329-8752
Best For: Low-income people needing legal representation for criminal record issues and civil matters.
What It Offers: Free legal services including help with expungement, record sealing, employment rights, family law, housing, and other civil legal issues.
University of Texas School of Law Criminal Justice Clinic
Address: 727 East Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 471-5151
Best For: People seeking free legal help from law students under attorney supervision.
What It Offers: Free legal assistance with criminal record expungement, post-conviction relief, and other criminal justice matters through the law school clinics.
Austin Municipal Court – Expungement Services
Address: P.O. Box 2135, Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 978-4999
Best For: People eligible to expunge Class C misdemeanors through Austin Municipal Court.
What It Offers: Information and guidance on filing expunction petitions for fine-only misdemeanor convictions, including forms and filing procedures.
Travis County District Clerk – Expungement Information
Address: 1000 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-4722
Best For: People seeking expungement of felony charges or convictions.
What It Offers: District court filing services for felony expungement petitions and record management assistance.
Employment Help for Felons in Austin
Getting a job after incarceration is one of the biggest challenges. These Austin-area programs help with job readiness, training, employer connections, and placement. Learn more about companies that hire people with records in our Jobs For Felons & Companies guide.
Travis County Justice Planning Workforce Development Program
Address: Multiple locations throughout Travis County
Phone: (512) 854-6497
Best For: People with criminal backgrounds seeking employment readiness training and job placement.
What It Offers: Free employment orientation, job search assistance, interview preparation, employer screening, job fair connections, and ongoing job placement support.
WorkSource Austin
Address: North: 6505 Airport Boulevard; East: 3401 E. Webberville Road; South: 4175 Freidrich Lane
Phone: (512) 597-7262
Best For: Job seekers of all backgrounds seeking free workforce development services and training.
What It Offers: Job search assistance, skills training, GED preparation, childcare referrals, employer connections, interview coaching, and resume building services.
Goodwill Central Texas
Address: Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 637-7580
Best For: People with barriers to employment including criminal records seeking job training and placement.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, career assessments, skills training, tuition assistance, job placement services, and ongoing employment support.
Austin Mayor’s Office of Fair Chance Hiring
Address: City of Austin, Office of Civil Rights
Phone: (512) 972-3247
Best For: Job applicants with criminal histories seeking protection under Austin’s Fair Chance Hiring ordinance.
What It Offers: Information about employment rights under Austin’s fair chance hiring law, which restricts when employers can ask about criminal history and how they can use that information.
SkillPoint Alliance
Address: Multiple locations throughout Central Texas
Phone: (512) 232-4600
Best For: People seeking rapid job training in high-demand fields like healthcare, transportation, and IT.
What It Offers: Free 3-10 week training programs in nursing, truck driving, IT, and healthcare fields with job placement assistance and employer connections.
TDCJ Rehabilitation and Reentry Division – Employment Programs
Address: 4616 W Howard Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78728
Phone: (877) 887-6151
Best For: People who have been incarcerated seeking employer connections and employment verification.
What It Offers: Employment matching services connecting qualified discharged offenders with employers seeking to hire people with past involvement, with protection under state law.
Education and Job Training in Austin
Education opens doors after incarceration. These programs help with GED, college preparation, vocational training, and skills development.
Austin Community College
Address: Multiple campuses throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 223-7000
Best For: People seeking affordable higher education, GED, or vocational training after incarceration.
What It Offers: Affordable college courses, GED preparation, vocational certification programs, financial aid, and support services for students with criminal backgrounds.
Travis County District Adult Education – GED Programs
Address: Multiple locations
Phone: (512) 414-9633
Best For: People seeking GED preparation and high school equivalency certification.
What It Offers: Free or low-cost GED classes, English as a Second Language, adult basic education, and job readiness training at multiple Austin locations.
Austin Public Library – Technology and Computer Classes
Address: Multiple branches throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 974-7400
Best For: People needing digital literacy and computer skills training.
What It Offers: Free computer access, internet connectivity, digital literacy classes, and job search resources at all branch locations.
Austin TechWorks
Address: Multiple locations
Phone: (512) 708-7471
Best For: Low-income people seeking technology training and IT career pathways.
What It Offers: Free technology training, IT certification programs, job placement assistance, and digital skills development for underserved populations.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment
People leaving incarceration often need substance abuse treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support. These Austin programs help.
Austin Travis County Integral Care – Substance Abuse Services
Address: 5015 South IH-35, Austin, TX 78744 and multiple locations
Phone: (512) 472-4357
Best For: People with substance use disorders seeking treatment from a low-cost comprehensive provider.
What It Offers: Outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment, medication-assisted treatment, detoxification, co-occurring disorder treatment, and recovery support services.
Recovery Unplugged Austin
Address: 14109 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724
Phone: (512) 489-1990
Best For: People seeking music-based holistic substance abuse treatment.
What It Offers: Residential substance abuse treatment program incorporating music therapy, detoxification, mental health treatment, and peer support.
Clean Investment Inc. and Counseling Centers (CICC)
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Phone: (512) 458-3693
Best For: People struggling with substance abuse seeking outpatient treatment and counseling.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse treatment, individual and group counseling, case management, medication management, and peer support services.
Austin Travis County Integral Care – Addiction Treatment
Address: 403 East 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 804-3526
Best For: People needing residential treatment for substance abuse disorders.
What It Offers: Substance abuse residential treatment, co-occurring mental health treatment, case management, and transition planning for stability and recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous – Austin Area
Address: Multiple meeting locations throughout Austin
Phone: Call for meeting schedule
Best For: People in recovery from drug addiction seeking peer support and 12-step programming.
What It Offers: Free peer-led support meetings throughout Austin with local recovery community connection, sponsorship, and ongoing recovery support.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Austin Area
Address: Multiple meeting locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 320-8383
Best For: People in recovery from alcohol addiction seeking peer support and 12-step recovery.
What It Offers: Free recovery meetings throughout Austin with peer support, sponsorship, and connection to 12-step recovery community.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National referral line
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: People who need free, confidential referrals to local substance abuse or mental health treatment
What It Offers: SAMHSA connects callers to treatment providers, support groups, and community-based organizations nationwide.
Family, Youth, and Community Support
Reentry affects families, children, and the whole community. These organizations may help with mentoring, family support, youth programs, community connection, and advocacy.
Texas Families in Action (TIFA)
Address: P.O. Box 300220, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 371-0900
Best For: Families of incarcerated and returning citizens seeking support, education, and advocacy.
What It Offers: Family support programs, parole workshops, educational resources, advocacy for policy change, and connection to community resources for families affected by incarceration.
Austin/Travis County Family Violence Protection Team
Address: City of Austin
Phone: (512) 974-8535
Best For: Families experiencing domestic violence seeking protective services and support.
What It Offers: Coordinated family violence prevention services, victim advocacy, safety planning, and connections to shelter and legal support.
Austin Child Guidance Center
Address: Multiple locations
Phone: (512) 302-8500
Best For: Children and families affected by parental incarceration needing counseling and support.
What It Offers: Trauma-informed counseling, family therapy, crisis intervention, and support for children with incarcerated parents.
Youth Mentoring Connection
Address: Multiple locations throughout Austin
Phone: (512) 637-5360
Best For: Youth from low-income families seeking mentoring and community connection.
What It Offers: One-on-one mentoring, youth development programs, life skills training, and connections to educational and employment opportunities.
Austin Parks and Recreation – Community Youth Programs
Address: Multiple community centers and parks
Phone: (512) 974-6700
Best For: Youth seeking free community programs, recreation, and positive mentoring.
What It Offers: Free youth programs including sports, arts, mentoring, job training, and community engagement at neighborhood centers.
Women’s Storybook Project of Texas
Address: Austin location
Phone: Contact through organization
Best For: Children separated from mothers due to incarceration seeking connection and support.
What It Offers: Connects children with incarcerated mothers through literature, visitation programs, and emotional support services.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Austin and Travis County:
Reentry Programs in Texas
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of Texas reentry programs, housing resources, job help, legal support, and basic needs resources across the state.
Jobs For Felons & Companies
Best For: People looking for work with a criminal record
What It Offers: A list of companies and job types that may be more open to hiring people with felony convictions.
Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing
Best For: People who need housing after incarceration
What It Offers: Practical advice for finding apartments, asking about background checks, and locating housing options that may review applicants individually.
Emergency Financial Help for Felons
Best For: People who need immediate help with money, food, bills, or basic needs
What It Offers: Emergency assistance ideas and places to look for short-term help.
Grants for Felons
Best For: People looking for financial assistance to rebuild after incarceration
What It Offers: A guide to grants that may be available to people with felony records.
Scholarships for Felons
Best For: People with records who want to pursue education
What It Offers: A list of scholarships that may be available to formerly incarcerated people and those with criminal records.
Health Insurance for Felons
Best For: People seeking affordable health coverage after incarceration
What It Offers: Information on Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, and other health insurance options available to people with criminal records.
Background Check Laws
Best For: People understanding employment background check restrictions
What It Offers: Information on what employers can and cannot ask, state law protections, and how to address criminal history on job applications.
Resources for Felons
Best For: General reentry help
What It Offers: A broader collection of resources for people with felony records.
What Makes a Good Reentry Program in Austin?
A good reentry program should do more than hand you a phone number. Look for programs that offer direct help, clear intake steps, realistic services, and staff who understand criminal records.
Strong reentry programs usually help with:
- Housing or housing referrals
- Job readiness and employer connections
- Substance abuse or mental health support
- Legal aid or expungement referrals
- Identification documents
- Family reunification
- Case management
- Transportation or basic needs referrals
- Long-term support, not only one appointment
Tips for Choosing a Reentry Program in Austin
Call before you go. Ask whether you need an appointment, ID, proof of release, probation paperwork, parole paperwork, Medicaid information, or referral documents.
Ask these questions:
- Do you work with people who have felony convictions?
- Do you help with housing, or only give referrals?
- Do you help people who are homeless right now?
- Do you help with jobs or only resume classes?
- Do you help with expungement or record clearing?
- Is there a waitlist?
- Do I need to live in Austin/Travis County?
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- Are services free?
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. Reentry program details, eligibility rules, phone numbers, locations, funding, and services can change at any time. Always contact the program directly before visiting. Help For Felons does not guarantee that any organization will accept you, provide housing, offer financial help, remove a criminal record, or place you in a job. This information is not legal advice. Program information on this page was gathered from official program websites, county and city sources, and direct program listings. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please contact us.
