Last Updated on: May 13, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville has several strong 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 Florida cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in Florida. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
List of Reentry Programs in Jacksonville, FL
Operation New Hope
Address: 1830 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 354-4673
Best For: People reentry from prison who need comprehensive support including job training, housing assistance, and case management.
What It Offers: Ready4Release, Ready4Work, and Ready4Success programs provide employment training, job placement, housing referrals, mental health counseling, transportation assistance, and wraparound case management services.
Prisoners of Christ
Address: 6940 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 358-8866
Best For: Men exiting prison who need both employment services and transitional housing in a faith-based environment.
What It Offers: Free employment services including resume preparation, interview training, and job search assistance; operates five transitional homes for men returning to Duval County from prison with structured programming and accountability.
Gateway Community Services
Address: 555 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 743-8156
Best For: People struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges seeking comprehensive treatment and support.
What It Offers: Outpatient, detoxification, residential, and family counseling services; transitional care; prevention services; and comprehensive customized addiction treatment for individuals reentry with substance use disorder.
Eckerd Connects (CareerSource Northeast Florida WIOA Provider)
Address: Multiple locations throughout Northeast Florida
Phone: (904) 356-5627
Best For: Job seekers, dislocated workers, and youth needing workforce training and employment services.
What It Offers: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training, career coaching, skills training, employer connections, and job placement services for in-demand occupations.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Jacksonville
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Jacksonville and Duval 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.
Prisoners of Christ Transitional Housing
Address: 6940 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 358-8866
Best For: Men transitioning from incarceration who need structured, supportive housing with employment and case management.
What It Offers: Five transitional homes providing safe housing with accountability, job search support, case management, and community reintegration services; application process begins while clients are incarcerated.
Trinity Rescue Mission Transitional Housing Program
Address: 622 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 355-1205
Best For: Men seeking low-cost housing and case management following addiction recovery treatment.
What It Offers: Safe, low-cost transitional housing for up to 2 years in West Jacksonville with case management, job support, Bible studies, food assistance, counseling, and leadership development for men completing the Freedom Farm addiction recovery program.
City Houses Sober Living
Address: Jacksonville area locations
Phone: (904) 359-9375
Best For: People in recovery seeking a structured, sober environment with peer support and accountability.
What It Offers: Sober living houses providing structured environment with house rules, regular drug testing, mandatory attendance at support meetings, chores, and curfews; separate housing for men and women.
Oxford Houses of Florida
Address: Multiple locations throughout Jacksonville
Phone: (800) 689-6411
Best For: Individuals in recovery seeking democratically-run sober living with affordability and community support.
What It Offers: Democratically-run recovery homes where residents share housing costs equally (typically $400-$600/month including utilities); no government funding; residents maintain sobriety and participate in house governance.
Sober Living America Jacksonville
Address: Beauclerc Bay Apartments area (near I-95 and I-295), Jacksonville, FL
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People needing supportive sober living community with proximity to parks, beaches, and employment.
What It Offers: Sober living complex of 20 units providing safe, supportive environment for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction with skills training and long-term recovery support.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Jacksonville/Duval 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.
Jacksonville Housing Authority
Address: 515 W. 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 630-3810
Best For: Low- and moderate-income families and individuals seeking affordable housing with social services support.
What It Offers: Safe, clean, affordable housing and effective social services to encourage employment, self-sufficiency, and transition to other housing alternatives; serves families, elderly, and persons with disabilities in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties.
United Way 211 – Jacksonville
Address: 40 E Adams St, Ste 310, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone seeking information and referrals for housing assistance, utilities, food support, and community services.
What It Offers: Free 24/7 phone service providing information and referrals to housing assistance, utility support, food help, mental health care, disaster recovery, and other essential community services in Duval County.
Feeding Northeast Florida
Address: 421 W. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 448-1933
Best For: People needing emergency food assistance and connection to benefits programs.
What It Offers: Mobile food pantries and community distributions supplying partner agencies and food-insecure households across Duval County; operates 16 senior centers providing meals for older adults citywide.
Jacksonville Department of Social Services – Benefits Office
Address: 5000 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 513-1333
Best For: People applying for SNAP (food stamps) and other government benefits.
What It Offers: SNAP applications, EBT card issuance, eligibility interviews, and WIC benefits for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5; also provides Medicaid application assistance.
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.
United Way 211
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone seeking immediate information on food, shelter, utilities, and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: Free, confidential 24/7 helpline connecting callers to local resources for food pantries, emergency shelter, utility assistance, clothing, and other basic needs services throughout Duval County.
Feeding Northeast Florida
Address: 421 W. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 448-1933
Best For: People experiencing food insecurity seeking emergency groceries and community meal programs.
What It Offers: Mobile food pantries, emergency food distributions, community meals, and connections to SNAP benefits; serves residents across Duval and surrounding counties with nutritious food assistance.
The Sulzbacher Center
Address: 611 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-0457
Best For: Homeless and low-income individuals and families needing comprehensive emergency services and shelter.
What It Offers: Northeast Florida’s largest provider of comprehensive services for homeless men, women, and children; open 24 hours daily providing emergency shelter, meals, healthcare, clothing, hygiene, case management, and pathway to permanent housing.
Clara White Mission
Address: 613 W. Ashley St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 356-8641
Best For: People experiencing homelessness or poverty seeking emergency shelter, meals, and basic necessities.
What It Offers: Daily community meals, emergency shelter, job training, substance use recovery services, food assistance, clothing, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
DESC (Downtown Ecumenical Services Council)
Address: 622 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 358-7955
Best For: People needing emergency groceries, clothing, and financial assistance during crisis.
What It Offers: Food pantry providing groceries for 3-5 day food emergencies, clothing store, financial assistance, and emergency support for individuals and families in crisis.
Jacksonville Gateway Service Center (SNAP/Benefits Office)
Address: 5000 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 513-1333
Best For: Low-income individuals and families applying for food stamps and government benefits.
What It Offers: SNAP food assistance application and management, EBT card services, and Medicaid/WIC application assistance for people meeting income requirements.
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 Jacksonville resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville
Address: Downtown Location: 622 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202; West Jacksonville Location: Community Health Outreach campus
Phone: (904) 399-2766
Best For: Working, uninsured individuals seeking free primary and specialty medical care.
What It Offers: FREE primary care, 16+ specialties (vision, cardiology, dermatology, mental health, nutrition), lab services, screenings, and medications for the working uninsured; volunteer physicians and mental health counseling available.
Healthlink JAX
Address: Virtual and on-demand service with EMT outreach throughout Jacksonville
Phone: Visit website or call (904) area services
Best For: Uninsured Duval County residents needing on-demand virtual healthcare.
What It Offers: Free virtual healthcare from board-certified doctors with care navigation, prescription refills, preventive check-ups, connections to local clinics, and community resources; available day and night.
Muslim American Social Services (MASS Clinic)
Address: Jacksonville location (multiple service areas)
Phone: (904) 500-6877
Best For: Uninsured individuals at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines seeking primary and specialty healthcare.
What It Offers: Free general medical care, wellness check-ups, immunizations, mental health counseling, prescription assistance, food pantry, pediatric and geriatric services for uninsured and low-income residents.
Community Health Outreach
Address: 5150 Timuquana Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210
Phone: (904) 633-0500
Best For: Uninsured and underinsured individuals and families seeking comprehensive medical and dental care.
What It Offers: Primary care, pharmacy services, pediatric care, counseling/mental health services, health education, and sliding scale fees based on income for medically underserved populations.
Gateway Community Services (Mental Health & Addiction)
Address: 555 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 743-8156
Best For: People with mental health conditions and substance use disorders seeking comprehensive behavioral health treatment.
What It Offers: Prevention, outpatient, detoxification, residential programs, family counseling, transitional care, mental health services, and specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Wekiva Springs Center
Address: Jacksonville location
Phone: (904) 737-7000
Best For: Adults and seniors with mental health or substance abuse issues needing inpatient or outpatient care.
What It Offers: Inpatient crisis stabilization and detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse outpatient programs, specialized programs for military/veterans and older adults.
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.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA)
Address: 126 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 356-8371
Best For: Low-income people with criminal records seeking free legal help with expungement and record sealing.
What It Offers: Free civil legal assistance with specialized Prisoner Re-Entry Project, expungement and sealing of criminal records, family law, health benefits, employment issues, fair housing, and other services for low-income Duval County residents.
Florida Justice Center
Address: Statewide organization with services in Jacksonville
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People needing free attorneys for record sealing or expungement who meet income guidelines.
What It Offers: Free attorneys for eligible individuals to seal or expunge criminal arrest records; legal support and community education for justice-impacted individuals to remove barriers to employment and housing.
Duval County Public Defender’s Office – Reentry Services
Address: Duval County Courthouse, Jacksonville, FL
Phone: (904) 630-2700
Best For: People seeking legal support through the public defender system and reentry assistance.
What It Offers: Public defender services for criminal cases, connections to reentry resources through Duval County court system, and legal guidance for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Employment Help for Felons in Jacksonville
Employment is the backbone of successful reentry. These Jacksonville programs help with job search, training, resume building, interview skills, and connections to employers who hire people with records.
For more, read Jobs For Felons & Companies.
Operation New Hope Ready4Work
Address: 1830 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 354-4673
Best For: People needing comprehensive employment support with job training, placement, and ongoing case management.
What It Offers: Career development training, job placement assistance, employer connections, transportation support, financial benefits, mental health counseling, and year-long wraparound case management services.
Prisoners of Christ Employment Services
Address: 6940 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 358-8866
Best For: Ex-offenders of any gender seeking free professional employment services through city contract.
What It Offers: Free employment services including professional resume preparation, interview training, job search assistance, and employer connections for men and women exiting incarceration in Duval County.
CareerSource Northeast Florida WIOA Program
Address: Multiple career centers throughout Northeast Florida
Phone: (904) 356-5627 (JOBS)
Best For: Job seekers and dislocated workers needing occupational training in high-demand fields.
What It Offers: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training funded for in-demand occupations; job analysis, career assessment tools, customized training, job fairs, and job placement assistance in six Northeast Florida counties.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Workforce Development
Address: Multiple campus locations in Jacksonville
Phone: (904) 632-3000
Best For: People seeking vocational training and workforce development in high-demand skills.
What It Offers: Award-winning workforce development programs, barbering, animal care, and vocational training; partnerships with employers and recognized excellence in workforce training and job placement.
Education and Job Training
Education and job training help people gain qualifications for better employment and increase earning potential after reentry.
CareerSource Northeast Florida – WIOA Training
Address: Career centers throughout Northeast Florida
Phone: (904) 356-5627
Best For: Unemployed and underemployed adults seeking paid occupational training in high-demand careers.
What It Offers: WIOA funding for occupational training including tuition, books, supplies, and certificates/diplomas in regional targeted occupations; financial assistance and supportive services for eligible participants.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
Address: Multiple campuses: San Marco, Downtown, South, Kent, Northeast Jacksonville
Phone: (904) 632-3000
Best For: People seeking affordable college education, certificates, and workforce training programs.
What It Offers: Associate degrees, certificates, workforce development programs, GED prep, continuing education, and transfer pathways to universities; flexible scheduling and financial aid available.
University of North Florida (UNF) – Continuing Education
Address: 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: (904) 620-1419
Best For: People seeking professional development and continuing education courses.
What It Offers: Professional development programs, continuing education, skills training, and career advancement courses through various departments.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse treatment is critical for many reentry clients. These Jacksonville programs offer prevention, outpatient, detoxification, residential, counseling, and family support services.
Gateway Community Services
Address: 555 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 1-877-389-9966 (Gateway Connect)
Best For: People with alcohol or drug addiction seeking comprehensive treatment with family support options.
What It Offers: Prevention, outpatient, detoxification, residential treatment, family counseling, transitional care, and customized comprehensive programs for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Sophros Recovery – Jacksonville
Address: Jacksonville flagship outpatient center (serving Northeast Florida)
Phone: (904) 830-6086
Best For: Adults needing flexible outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment including medication-assisted treatment.
What It Offers: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient treatment; therapy, medication-assisted treatment, case management, aftercare support, in-person/hybrid/virtual options.
Wekiva Springs Center
Address: Jacksonville location
Phone: (904) 737-7000
Best For: Adults and seniors needing inpatient or outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment.
What It Offers: Inpatient crisis stabilization, detoxification, rehabilitation, intensive and part-time outpatient mental health and substance abuse programs, specialized programs for military, veterans, and older adults.
Recovery Keys – Ponte Vedra Beach
Address: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (serving Jacksonville area)
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People needing residential or intensive outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What It Offers: Residential treatment with 24/7 support and comprehensive counseling; Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization programs; evidence-based therapies for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Design Recovery – Jacksonville Beach
Address: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People seeking personalized, evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health challenges.
What It Offers: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with surf therapy and holistic options, individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, and support for veterans.
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.
Family Support Services
Address: Multiple locations in Duval and Nassau Counties
Phone: (904) 630-5437
Best For: Families and individuals seeking support with parenting, life skills, financial management, and coping.
What It Offers: In-home training for parenting, life skills, financial management, stress management, and coping strategies to help keep children safely at home and strengthen family relationships.
NAMI Jacksonville (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Address: Jacksonville area
Phone: (904) 724-7782
Best For: Individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges seeking free support and education.
What It Offers: Free support groups, education, crisis intervention for individuals and families with mental health conditions, peer-led programs, and community advocacy.
Hubbard House (Domestic Violence Services)
Address: 1133 Ionia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 354-3534
Best For: People experiencing domestic violence seeking emergency shelter and support services.
What It Offers: Full-service certified domestic violence center providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, and support for victims and children; serves Duval and Baker counties.
Bridge the Gap Inc.
Address: 1133 Ionia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: Contact through findhelp.org
Best For: Families experiencing homelessness or crisis seeking case management and emergency support.
What It Offers: Case management, limited emergency supplies (diapers, socks, cleaning products), support for families experiencing homelessness or crisis situations.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Jacksonville and Duval County:
Reentry Programs in Florida
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of Florida reentry programs, housing resources, job help, legal support, and basic needs resources.
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.
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 Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville or Duval 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.
