Last Updated on: May 15, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Syracuse.
Syracuse 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 New York cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in New York State. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
List of Reentry Programs in Syracuse, NY
Center for Community Alternatives (CCA)
Address: 115 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-5638
Best For: People returning from incarceration who need employment training, legal support, housing, and substance abuse treatment services.
What It Offers: Court advocacy, sentencing mitigation, career readiness training, job placement, transitional and permanent housing at Freedom Commons, recovery services, and civic restoration legal services for expungement.
Onondaga County Re-Entry Task Force
Address: 505 South State Street, Suite 110, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-2985, Ext. 153
Best For: People recently released from prison in Onondaga County who are at moderate to high risk of reoffending.
What It Offers: Coordinated reentry services including case management, employment assistance, housing support, substance abuse treatment referrals, and community-based support services.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County
Address: 1000 State Tower Building, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 471-3409
Best For: Low-income individuals seeking legal assistance with employment, family, estate planning, and criminal record relief.
What It Offers: Pro bono legal services including help obtaining Certificates of Relief from Disabilities, employment rights advocacy, and general legal consultations.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Syracuse
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Onondaga 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.
Freedom Commons
Address: 450 Burt Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-5638
Best For: Formerly incarcerated people needing affordable permanent supportive housing with wraparound services.
What It Offers: Permanent housing apartments with on-site case management, employment assistance, educational support, recovery services, and culturally competent trauma-informed care.
Maxwell House Community Residence
Address: 1045 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 425-1004
Best For: Men in early recovery from substance abuse who need structured transitional housing.
What It Offers: 18-bed residential community with full-range treatment options, 24/7 staffing, counseling, supportive services, and year-round operation.
Syracuse Brick House Inc
Address: 3600 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206
Phone: (315) 437-1802
Best For: People in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse seeking supportive living.
What It Offers: Licensed alcoholism supportive living facility with peer support, recovery-oriented services, and community reintegration assistance.
Chadwick Residence
Address: 335 Valley Drive, Syracuse, NY 13205
Phone: (315) 476-6554
Best For: Homeless women and their children seeking long-term stable housing.
What It Offers: 24-hour group residence operations with case management, supportive services, and supported apartment program for family reunification.
Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare Supportive Living Program
Address: 770 James Street, Suite 139, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 472-9964
Best For: Individuals with mental health or behavioral health needs seeking structured supportive living.
What It Offers: Licensed residential facility with psychiatric services, counseling, medication management, and community integration support.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Onondaga 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.
Syracuse Housing Authority
Address: Multiple locations in Syracuse, NY
Phone: (315) 470-4375
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking affordable rental housing through Section 8 vouchers and public housing.
What It Offers: Public housing programs and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance with individualized assessment of criminal history; criminal history is not an automatic bar to admission.
Liberty Resources – HUD Permanent Supportive Housing
Address: 1065 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 425-1004
Best For: Individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues experiencing homelessness.
What It Offers: 29 units of HUD-funded permanent supportive housing with private apartments, on-site integrated behavioral health services, and support to maintain housing stability.
Onondaga County Department of Social Services – Housing Assistance
Address: 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-2700
Best For: Individuals and families seeking public housing assistance, emergency shelter, or rental assistance.
What It Offers: Emergency housing assistance, temporary rental subsidies, housing search help, and referrals to local housing resources.
2-1-1 Helpline – United Way of Central New York
Address: Countywide resource (call or use website)
Phone: Dial 211 or (315) 378-4054
Best For: Anyone seeking immediate information about local housing, food, healthcare, and other community services.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals to housing programs, food banks, healthcare, and other social services in Onondaga County.
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.
Food Bank of Central New York
Address: 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209
Phone: (315) 437-1899
Best For: Individuals and families needing emergency food assistance and SNAP outreach.
What It Offers: Free food distributions to partner food pantries, SNAP eligibility prescreening, benefits enrollment assistance, and nutrition education.
Salvation Army Emergency Practical Assistance
Address: 100 Linden Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 479-1157
Best For: Individuals and families in immediate need of food, emergency financial assistance, and basic supplies.
What It Offers: Monthly food assistance, hygiene items, diapers, baby formula, help applying for food stamps and other benefits, and emergency utility assistance.
Assumption Church Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
Address: 808 North Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13208
Phone: (315) 474-5548
Best For: People needing immediate food assistance and hot meals.
What It Offers: Monthly food parcels equal to 9 meals for families (open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, photo ID and proof of address required); free soup kitchen with bagged lunch and hot meals daily.
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County – Food Programs
Address: Multiple locations in Syracuse, NY
Phone: (315) 424-1800
Best For: Individuals and families seeking emergency food, rental assistance, and emergency services.
What It Offers: Multiple food pantries open different days and times throughout Syracuse, emergency shelter assistance, and rental/utility assistance for people in crisis.
Interreligious Food Consortium
Address: 731 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 474-8855
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking emergency food from faith-based sources.
What It Offers: Free food distributions through partner faith-based emergency food pantries, door-to-door food deliveries for homebound individuals, and food pantry support.
Onondaga County Department of Social Services – SNAP & Public Benefits
Address: 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-2700 (Public Assistance), (315) 435-2987 (Medicaid)
Best For: People applying for food stamps (SNAP), Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, and other public benefits.
What It Offers: Applications and enrollment assistance for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, HEAP (heating/utility assistance), and other county benefits programs.
2-1-1 Helpline – United Way of Central New York
Address: Countywide resource (call or use website)
Phone: Dial 211 or (315) 378-4054
Best For: Anyone needing quick information about food banks, pantries, and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: Free referrals to all local food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency financial assistance, and other basic needs resources.
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 Syracuse resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Liberty Resources – Integrated Behavioral Health Center
Address: 1065 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 425-1004
Best For: Individuals needing integrated mental health, substance abuse, and primary medical care in one location.
What It Offers: Individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, substance abuse counseling, group therapies, on-site lab services, on-site pharmacy, and case management.
Helio Health – Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic
Address: 518 James Street, Suite 240, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 565-4199
Best For: Individuals with serious mental illness or substance abuse needs seeking comprehensive behavioral health treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient mental health services, substance abuse treatment, opioid treatment programs, psychiatric services, medication-assisted treatment, and criminal justice support services.
Onondaga County Department of Mental Health
Address: 618 Madison Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 435-7707
Best For: Individuals seeking community-based mental health services, crisis intervention, or psychiatric treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient mental health services, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, counseling, and referrals to specialized mental health programs.
Contact Community Services – Mental Health Counseling
Address: 6311 Court Street Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: (315) 251-0600
Best For: Individuals seeking confidential mental health counseling and crisis support.
What It Offers: Individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and referral services for people in emotional distress.
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.
Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society
Address: 351 South Warren Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-8191
Best For: Low-income individuals seeking legal representation in criminal appeals, family court, immigration matters, and eviction defense.
What It Offers: Criminal appeals representation, family court services, immigration legal services including naturalization and deportation defense, housing/eviction defense, and parole revocation representation.
Legal Services of Central New York
Address: 221 South Warren Street, Suite 300, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 703-6500
Best For: Low-income families and individuals seeking legal help with family, consumer, housing, and employment issues.
What It Offers: Legal representation and advice for divorce, custody, consumer problems, housing, employment discrimination, and connections to immigration legal services.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County
Address: 1000 State Tower Building, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 471-3409
Best For: Low-income individuals needing pro bono legal services including record relief and employment rights.
What It Offers: Pro bono legal representation for Certificates of Relief from Disabilities, employment rights advocacy, family matters, estate planning, and other civil legal issues.
Center for Community Alternatives – Civic Restoration Services
Address: 115 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-5638
Best For: People with criminal records seeking to understand employment and housing rights and obtain records relief.
What It Offers: Free civic restoration legal services helping individuals understand their rights, apply for Certificates of Relief from Disabilities, obtain Certificates of Good Conduct, and challenge employment/housing discrimination.
Employment Help for Felons in Syracuse
Employment is critical to successful reentry. These organizations connect people with jobs, skills training, and support.
For more, read Jobs For Felons & Companies.
Center for Community Alternatives – Career Training & Job Placement
Address: 115 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-5638
Best For: Formerly incarcerated people seeking employment training, job placement, and ongoing employment support.
What It Offers: Career readiness training, job coaching, employer connections, construction trades training (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding), and transitional employment opportunities.
SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
Address: 100 New Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 472-0130
Best For: Individuals 21+ seeking High School Equivalency (GED), college preparation, and vocational job training.
What It Offers: Free GED preparation, college readiness programs, Medical Billing & Coding, Security Guard training, Construction Readiness, Manufacturing training, ATTAIN Lab computer skills, employment readiness workshops, and supportive services.
Sidney Johnson Vocational Center
Address: 573 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-4135
Best For: Individuals 21+ living in Syracuse, including those formerly incarcerated, seeking vocational training and employment.
What It Offers: High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) classes, vocational skills training, job readiness programs, and employment placement assistance.
NY Department of Labor – Work For Success Program
Address: Statewide program with local One-Stop Career Centers
Phone: (315) 428-4113 (Onondaga County Office of Employment)
Best For: People with criminal records seeking job training, placement, and support.
What It Offers: Free job training, federal bonding for job applicants, Work Opportunity Tax Credit information for employers, and connections to employer partners.
Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County
Address: 980 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 428-8129
Best For: Adults seeking to improve literacy skills and employment potential.
What It Offers: Adult literacy instruction, GED tutoring, employment skills development, and community education programs.
Education & Job Training in Syracuse
Onondaga Community College
Address: 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215
Phone: (315) 498-2622
Best For: Individuals seeking affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training.
What It Offers: Over 50 degree and certificate programs, transfer pathways to four-year universities, hands-on technical training, career counseling, and student support services.
Onondaga County Public Library – Literacy Programs
Address: 447 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-1835
Best For: Adults seeking GED preparation and literacy skill development.
What It Offers: Free GED instruction and test preparation, literacy tutoring, computer skills classes, and educational resources.
Substance Abuse Treatment in Syracuse
Helio Health – Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Services
Address: 518 James Street, Suite 240, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 565-4199
Best For: Individuals with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health needs.
What It Offers: Regular outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, medication-assisted treatment (buprenorphine), opioid treatment programs, criminal justice support services, and peer recovery support.
Liberty Resources – Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Services
Address: 1065 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 425-1004
Best For: Individuals seeking integrated substance abuse and mental health treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric services, group therapies, case management, and coordinate care with primary medical providers.
Onondaga County Department of Mental Health – Substance Abuse Services
Address: 618 Madison Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 435-7707 (Mental Health), (315) 428-4113 (OASAS Substance Abuse)
Best For: Individuals seeking county-coordinated substance abuse and mental health treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse treatment, mental health services, case management, and connections to inpatient treatment when needed.
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.
Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services – Family Services
Address: 677 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 479-1157
Best For: Families and youth experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or family crisis.
What It Offers: Residential services for homeless mothers and infants, parenting classes, mentoring, family case management, and youth mentoring and skill-building programs.
Hillside Family Opportunity Centers
Address: Multiple locations in Syracuse, NY
Phone: (315) 470-5000 (main), or visit website for family-specific contact
Best For: Families with children experiencing multiple stressors seeking strength-based support.
What It Offers: Free family support services, mental health services, peer advocacy, clinical counseling, monthly family activities, and programs for expectant parents and families with children under 21.
Onondaga County Youth Bureau
Address: 421 Montgomery Street, 8th Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-2884
Best For: Youth seeking mentoring, recreation, and development programs.
What It Offers: Funding and coordination of youth mentoring programs, positive youth development activities, recreation programs, and advocacy for youth services.
Mary Nelson Youth Center
Address: South Side locations in Syracuse, NY
Phone: Check website for current phone and hours
Best For: Youth seeking enrichment programs, career services, and community mentoring.
What It Offers: After-school and summer youth programs, mentoring, career exploration, entrepreneurial support, cultural activities, and healthy living programs.
Center for Community Alternatives – Youth Programs
Address: 115 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-5638
Best For: Justice-involved youth and young adults seeking leadership, education, and support.
What It Offers: Afterschool alternatives program, youth leadership opportunities, violence prevention workshops, student advocacy, mentoring, and career exploration for young people affected by the criminal legal system.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Syracuse or Onondaga County:
Reentry Programs in New York State
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of New York State 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 Syracuse?
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 Syracuse
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 Syracuse or Onondaga 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.
