Last Updated on: May 15, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Erie.
Erie 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 Pennsylvania cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
List of Reentry Programs in Erie, PA
Erie County Re-Entry Services and Support Alliance (ECRSSA)
Address: 31 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 452-3261
Best For: Individuals returning to Erie County after incarceration who need intensive case management and peer support.
What It Offers: Case management, peer mentoring, crisis support, and resource navigation for people reentering from federal, state, or county incarceration.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Erie
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Erie 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.
Erie United Methodist Alliance – My Way Home Rapid Re-Housing
Address: Erie County Countywide
Phone: (814) 743-5837 (refer through Erie County Care Management)
Best For: Families and individuals experiencing homelessness who need rapid connection to permanent housing.
What It Offers: Time-limited financial assistance and supportive services to help people move quickly into permanent housing.
Erie County Care Management – Coordinated Entry
Address: 1601 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16502
Phone: (814) 743-5837
Best For: Anyone in Erie County experiencing a housing crisis, regardless of criminal history or income.
What It Offers: Assessment, referral, and connection to emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, or permanent supportive housing based on individual needs.
Housing Authority of the City of Erie – Public Housing
Address: Erie City
Phone: (814) 452-2425
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking affordable housing through Section 8 or public housing units.
What It Offers: Public housing opportunities and Section 8 rental vouchers to help people afford safe, decent housing.
Erie County Housing Authority – Section 8 Vouchers
Address: Countywide (outside City of Erie)
Phone: (814) 665-5161
Best For: Low-income residents outside City of Erie seeking rental assistance.
What It Offers: Section 8 housing vouchers and rental assistance to help eligible households afford private rental housing.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Erie 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.
Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) – Housing & Rental Assistance
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: People facing eviction or homelessness who need emergency rental or security deposit assistance.
What It Offers: Emergency rental assistance, first month’s rent, security deposits, and utility bill help through referral from Erie County Care Management.
GECAC – Work Ready Program
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: People with barriers to employment who need job training, life skills, and case management.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, case management, childcare and transportation support, and basic education services.
Erie County Department of Human Services – Pennsylvania 211
Address: Countywide Helpline
Phone: 211 or (814) 743-5837
Best For: Anyone needing help finding local housing, food, utilities, or other services.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals to housing assistance, emergency shelter, rental help, and other community resources.
Erie County Assistance Office – Benefits & Support
Address: Multiple locations throughout Erie County
Phone: 1-717-787-7400 (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services main line)
Best For: People needing to apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and other public benefits.
What It Offers: Public benefits applications, eligibility determination, and case management for assistance programs.
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.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
Address: Serves 11 counties including Erie
Phone: (814) 454-2686
Best For: People seeking emergency food assistance and basic needs support.
What It Offers: Food pantry access through local partner organizations, emergency food boxes, and connections to nutrition resources.
Saint Peter Roman Catholic Cathedral Food Pantry
Address: 230 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 453-6677, ext. 9
Best For: Residents of the Cathedral neighborhood seeking weekly food assistance.
What It Offers: Groceries and food to meet basic nutritional needs, distributed the third Tuesday of each month.
The Healthy Food Center
Address: Erie County
Phone: (814) 452-7043
Best For: People needing healthy food options and nutrition education.
What It Offers: Free healthy food pantry, nutrition counseling, and education (requires physician referral).
Pennsylvania 211
Address: Countywide Helpline
Phone: 211 or text your zip code to 898-211
Best For: Anyone needing to find food banks, meal programs, SNAP, or other assistance.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals to food resources, emergency assistance, and community services 24/7.
GECAC – Adult Basic Needs Assistance
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: Low-income individuals and families facing basic needs challenges.
What It Offers: Utility assistance, emergency financial help, food resources, and connections to community supports.
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 Erie resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Stairways Behavioral Health – Outpatient Clinic
Address: 2911 State Street, Erie, PA 16508
Phone: (814) 464-8438
Best For: People with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders needing outpatient treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and dual diagnosis care.
Gaudenzia Inc. – Residential and Outpatient Services
Address: 414 West 5th Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: (814) 459-4775
Best For: Individuals needing short-term, intermediate, or long-term substance abuse and mental health treatment.
What It Offers: Residential treatment, outpatient services, and specialized programs for adults, women with children, and homeless individuals.
Pyramid Healthcare – Outpatient Programs
Address: 1325 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508
Phone: (814) 454-5500
Best For: Adults and adolescents seeking medication-assisted treatment and behavioral health services.
What It Offers: Substance use disorder assessment, medication-assisted treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and counseling.
Safe Harbor Behavior Health of UPMC
Address: Erie County
Phone: Contact UPMC Behavioral Health
Best For: People needing comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services.
What It Offers: Intensive outpatient services, partial hospitalization, outpatient therapy, and psychiatric services.
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.
Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS)
Address: 1314 Griswold Plaza, Suite 103, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 452-6957
Best For: Low-income individuals needing free legal representation for civil matters, including expungement and record clearing.
What It Offers: Direct legal representation, telephone advice clinics, expungement assistance, record sealing help, and family law services.
Erie County Bar Association – Legal Aid Volunteer Attorneys (LAVA) Program
Address: Erie County
Phone: (814) 452-6957 (Northwestern Legal Services intake)
Best For: Low-income individuals seeking pro bono legal services from private attorneys.
What It Offers: Free legal representation matched with volunteer attorneys for eligible clients with civil legal problems.
Erie County Court of Common Pleas – Clerk of Courts
Address: 140 West 6th Street, Room 103, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 451-6221
Best For: People needing to file expungement or record sealing petitions in Erie County.
What It Offers: Case filing, record searches, and information about the expungement and record sealing process.
Employment Help for Felons in Erie
Employers are often reluctant to hire people with criminal records. However, many jobs are available to people with felonies, especially if you can show you’ve changed. For more information on how to approach employment with a criminal record, read our guide to Jobs For Felons & Companies That Hire Felons.
GECAC – Work Ready Program
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: People with employment barriers including criminal records seeking comprehensive job training and support.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, case management, basic education, community service placements, childcare and transportation support.
Pennsylvania CareerLink – Erie County
Address: Multiple locations in Erie County
Phone: 1-717-787-5279 (Pennsylvania Department of Labor)
Best For: Job seekers needing employment services, training programs, and workforce development resources.
What It Offers: Job search assistance, skills training, career counseling, and connections to employers.
GECAC – Senior Community Service Employment Program
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: Older workers seeking part-time employment and training opportunities.
What It Offers: Part-time employment, on-the-job training, and career development for eligible seniors.
Erie Urban Entrepreneur Project
Address: Erie
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People interested in starting their own small business or self-employment.
What It Offers: Entrepreneurship training, business planning assistance, and resources for people seeking business ownership.
Education and Job Training
Many people coming home from prison lack the education and job skills needed for good jobs. Fortunately, Pennsylvania offers GED programs, community college, vocational training, and other education options. For more information, read our guide to Education & Scholarships for Felons.
GECAC – Adult Basic and Literacy Education
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: Adults needing high school equivalency preparation and basic education skills.
What It Offers: GED testing, adult basic education, literacy tutoring, and college preparation.
Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Address: Multiple locations in Erie County
Phone: 1-800-442-6351
Best For: Individuals with disabilities seeking vocational rehabilitation and employment support.
What It Offers: Vocational assessment, training, education, job placement, and ongoing employment support.
Erie Community College
Address: Multiple Erie County Locations
Phone: (814) 824-2580
Best For: People seeking affordable associate degrees and technical skills certificates.
What It Offers: Associate degree programs, technical certificates, workforce development courses, and affordable tuition.
GECAC – Upward Bound
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: Low-income youth and young adults preparing for higher education.
What It Offers: College preparation, academic tutoring, mentoring, and support for pursuing post-secondary education.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse and addiction are common challenges for people reentering after incarceration. Treatment can help prevent relapse and support successful reentry. You may also want to read our guide to finding Substance Abuse Treatment.
Stairways Behavioral Health – Multiple Locations
Address: 2911 State Street, Erie, PA 16508
Phone: (814) 464-8438
Best For: Adults and adolescents seeking residential or outpatient addiction and mental health treatment.
What It Offers: Assertive community treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
Gaudenzia Inc. – Substance Abuse Services
Address: 414 West 5th Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: (814) 459-4775
Best For: People needing short-term to long-term residential treatment for substance abuse.
What It Offers: Medical detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, and transitional housing.
Pyramid Healthcare – Substance Use Disorders Program
Address: 1325 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508
Phone: (814) 454-5500
Best For: Individuals seeking evidence-based addiction treatment with medication assistance options.
What It Offers: Detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, individual and group counseling, and treatment for co-occurring disorders.
The Salvation Army – Adult Rehabilitation Center
Address: Erie County
Phone: 1-716-852-7370 (Western NY/PA regional line)
Best For: People needing long-term residential treatment and spiritual support for addiction recovery.
What It Offers: No-cost rehabilitation programs providing housing, food, counseling, and employment assistance.
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.
GECAC – Community Outreach and Youth Programs
Address: 18 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Best For: Families, youth, and individuals seeking community connection and social services.
What It Offers: Youth programs, community education, mentoring, and family support services.
Erie City Mission
Address: Erie
Phone: (814) 453-9149
Best For: Individuals and families in crisis needing immediate assistance and community support.
What It Offers: Emergency assistance, shelter, meals, case management, and long-term recovery programs.
United Way of Erie County – 211 Helpline
Address: Countywide Helpline
Phone: 211 or (814) 743-5837
Best For: Families and individuals needing connection to community resources and support services.
What It Offers: Resource navigation, referrals to community programs, and crisis assistance.
YMCA of Greater Erie – Community Programs
Address: Multiple locations in Erie County
Phone: (814) 451-7255
Best For: Families and individuals seeking health, fitness, youth development, and community programs.
What It Offers: Youth programs, family activities, health and fitness classes, and community building initiatives.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Erie County:
Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of Pennsylvania 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 Erie?
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 Erie
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 Erie 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.
