Last Updated on: May 8, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Houston.
Houston 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 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 Houston, TX
Community Re-Entry Network Program
Address: Multiple locations throughout Houston
Phone: (713) 439-6000
Best For: Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking comprehensive reentry support, job readiness, and case management.
What It Offers: Free case management, counseling, career development, job readiness training, life skills courses, peer support groups, anger management, Texas Drug Offender Education Program, computer access, and transportation assistance.
CrossWalk Center
Address: 9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 514, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: (713) 237-0880
Best For: Men returning from incarceration who need centralized access to social services and faith-based reentry support.
What It Offers: Navigation assistance to local resources, case management, mentoring, employment support, housing connections, and linkage to community services for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
Address: 5803 Harrisburg Blvd, Suite H7, Houston, TX 77011
Phone: (832) 767-0928
Best For: Returning citizens who want to start businesses, develop entrepreneurial skills, or secure stable employment with reentry support.
What It Offers: Business education, job placement support, coaching, post-release housing, financial assistance, transportation, mentoring, employment referrals to felon-friendly employers, and long-term community support.
Workforce Solutions Greater Houston
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: (713) 627-2200
Best For: Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking job training, education, employment placement, and housing assistance.
What It Offers: Comprehensive map of reentry resources, skills training, job matching, educational pathway support, and connections to employment opportunities across the 13-county region.
SER – Jobs for Progress Houston
Address: 1313 Ashland Street, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 773-6000
Best For: People with records seeking job training, employment services, and education programs.
What It Offers: Job training, employment readiness, GED preparation, skills certification, and supportive services to help formerly incarcerated people gain meaningful employment.
Work-Faith Connection
Address: Houston-based program
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: Returning citizens looking for short-term job training and immediate job placement.
What It Offers: Free 8-day job training bootcamp (available online and in-person), job placement assistance, and connections to faith-based employers.
Houston Food Bank Community Kitchen
Address: Multiple locations
Phone: (713) 223-3700
Best For: Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking job training in the culinary field with certification.
What It Offers: Free 10-week culinary training program with professional certification, job coaching, and placement assistance for kitchen and food service positions.
Goodwill Industries Houston
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 529-3300
Best For: Job seekers with records who need employment training and placement support.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, resume development, interview preparation, basic computer skills, and employment placement assistance through retail and service positions.
Bridges to Life Houston
Address: Countywide partnership
Phone: (713) 784-2255
Best For: Formerly incarcerated men and their families seeking community support and reintegration programs.
What It Offers: Support groups, mentoring, employment connections, housing assistance, substance abuse support, and community-based reentry resources through partner organizations.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Houston
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Harris 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.
Magnificat Houses
Address: Houston locations (contact for specific addresses)
Phone: (713) 529-4231
Best For: Post-release individuals seeking stable housing and supportive services in a faith-based community.
What It Offers: Transitional housing, case management, counseling, life skills training, employment support, and assistance with reintegration into the community.
Mission of Grace Homes
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: Formerly incarcerated men and women needing safe transitional housing and supportive services.
What It Offers: Post-release transitional housing, case management, community support, and connections to employment and other reentry resources.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program Transition Homes
Address: Multiple Houston and Dallas locations managed by PEP
Phone: (832) 767-0928
Best For: PEP graduates and returning citizens seeking zero-tolerance drug and alcohol-free transitional housing.
What It Offers: Transition housing, case management by certified coordinators, transportation assistance, counseling, emergency financial support, and peer support from program graduates.
SEARCH Homeless Services
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 739-7752
Best For: Homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals seeking stabilization, employment, and housing support.
What It Offers: Engagement services, case management, education and employment training, housing placement, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.
Star of Hope
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 748-0700
Best For: Homeless men, women, and children seeking shelter and comprehensive support services.
What It Offers: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, job training, mental health services, and connections to permanent housing solutions.
Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM)
Address: 15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, TX 77090
Phone: (281) 446-3663
Best For: Community residents in crisis seeking help toward self-sufficiency, including formerly incarcerated individuals.
What It Offers: Emergency assistance, transitional housing, case management, job training, financial coaching, and connections to supportive services.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Houston/Harris 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.
United Way 211 – Harris County Housing Resources
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Call 211 or (713) 685-2300
Best For: People seeking affordable housing, rental assistance, and connections to housing programs throughout Harris County.
What It Offers: Free information and referrals to housing programs, rental assistance, utility assistance, emergency shelter, and comprehensive social services throughout the county.
Harris County Housing Authority
Address: 2421 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 308-7000
Best For: Low-income residents, including people with records, seeking public housing options and Section 8 vouchers.
What It Offers: Public housing units, Section 8 voucher assistance, affordable housing options, and fair housing information regardless of criminal history.
ACCESS Harris County Re-Entry Cohort
Address: Harris County Public Health locations
Phone: (832) 927-6668
Best For: Returning citizens seeking housing support combined with healthcare and social services coordination.
What It Offers: Care coordination for housing placement, connection to health services, case management, and wraparound support to ensure stable housing and health outcomes.
Community Development Department – City of Houston
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: (832) 394-8800
Best For: Low-income Houstonians seeking affordable housing programs and community development services.
What It Offers: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance, homeownership support, fair housing counseling, and information on housing for people with criminal records.
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.
Houston Food Bank
Address: Multiple distribution centers and food pantries throughout Houston
Phone: (713) 223-3700
Best For: Individuals and families needing emergency food assistance regardless of background.
What It Offers: Free emergency food through partner agencies, food pantry locations, meal sites, Kids Cafe programs, and support connecting people to SNAP benefits.
United Way 211 – Emergency Assistance Line
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Call 211 (24/7)
Best For: People needing immediate help with food, housing, utilities, clothing, and emergency services.
What It Offers: Free, confidential referrals to food banks, emergency shelter, utility assistance, clothing banks, basic needs support, and community resources.
Harris County SNAP Benefits
Address: Countywide Texas Health & Human Services locations
Phone: (877) 541-7905
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking food assistance benefits.
What It Offers: Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits, applications assistance, recertification support, and information on eligibility for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 526-4611
Best For: People in crisis seeking emergency food, clothing, shelter, and social services.
What It Offers: Emergency food assistance, clothing, emergency shelter, case management, utility assistance, and comprehensive social services regardless of background.
The Beacon Day Center
Address: 1212 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 220-9780
Best For: Homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals needing immediate food, shelter, and intake services.
What It Offers: Free meals, shower facilities, clothing, case management, legal aid intake, and connections to permanent housing and supportive 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 Houston resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Address: 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074
Phone: (713) 970-7000 (24/7 Crisis/Access Line)
Best For: Adults and youth needing mental health, substance abuse, and psychiatric services regardless of ability to pay.
What It Offers: Mental health outpatient services, substance abuse treatment, detoxification, residential treatment, psychiatric medication management, counseling, employment support, and crisis services.
The Council on Recovery
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 942-4100
Best For: Individuals and families struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
What It Offers: Free and low-cost outpatient addiction treatment, counseling, support groups, family programs, whole-family recovery approach, and treatment regardless of ability to pay.
HOPE Clinic – Federally Qualified Health Center
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 529-1400
Best For: Uninsured and underinsured people needing comprehensive medical and mental health care.
What It Offers: Adult and pediatric medicine, women’s health, dental care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment referrals, and sliding scale fees based on income.
Harris County Public Health – Community Health Services
Address: Multiple locations throughout Harris County
Phone: (713) 439-6000
Best For: Residents needing low-cost health services, mental health screenings, and preventive care.
What It Offers: Primary care services, mental health screening, disease testing, immunizations, family planning, and low-cost or free services based on income.
Harris Health System
Address: 12 community health centers, 3 hospitals throughout Harris County
Phone: (713) 566-0500
Best For: County residents needing quality healthcare regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.
What It Offers: Hospital care, community health center services, dental care, mental health services, medication assistance, and treatment regardless of ability to pay.
The Montrose Center – LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services
Address: 401 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 529-0037
Best For: LGBTQ+ and HIV+ community members needing culturally affirming mental health and substance abuse services.
What It Offers: Counseling, substance abuse support groups, case management, housing assistance, HIV services, and affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
HEARTS@UTHealth Houston – Substance Use Counseling
Address: UTHealth Houston locations
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People needing free evidence-based counseling for substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
What It Offers: Free client-centered substance use counseling, mental health support, coping skills development, in-person and virtual services, and treatment regardless of insurance status.
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.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
Address: Countywide pro bono network
Phone: (713) 228-0735
Best For: Low-income Harris County residents needing free civil legal assistance including expungement and record sealing.
What It Offers: Free legal advice, consultations, and representation from volunteer attorneys in family law, housing, expungement, estate planning, and civil matters.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Address: 713 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 652-0077 or (800) 733-8394
Best For: Low-income individuals needing free civil legal help with housing, family law, benefits, and expungement.
What It Offers: Free legal representation and advice in 72 Texas counties and 4 Arkansas counties, including criminal record clearing, family law, housing, public benefits, and expungement services.
Houston Legal Aid Center
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: Vulnerable and low-income residents seeking affordable legal services.
What It Offers: Low-cost legal aid services for various civil legal matters, sliding scale fees, and community legal education regarding rights and options.
University of Houston Law Clinics
Address: 4604 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77024
Phone: (713) 743-2094
Best For: Harris County residents needing free legal clinics for specific legal issues.
What It Offers: Free legal clinics on rotating topics, legal advice, document assistance, and representation by law students under supervision.
Harris County Bar Association LegalLine
Address: Countywide hotline
Phone: (713) 759-1133 (1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Best For: Low-income residents seeking free initial legal consultation.
What It Offers: Free telephone legal advice on various civil law topics from volunteer attorneys, legal information, and referrals to additional resources.
Employment Help for Felons in Houston
The biggest barrier most returning citizens face is finding work. Many employers use background checks, and a criminal record can feel like a permanent obstacle. However, Houston has several programs designed specifically to help formerly incarcerated people overcome employment barriers and find lasting work.
Read our complete guides on Companies That Hire Felons and Jobs For Felons & Companies.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) Post-Release Services
Address: 5803 Harrisburg Blvd, Suite H7, Houston, TX 77011
Phone: (832) 767-0928
Best For: Returning citizens seeking comprehensive employment support, business training, and career development.
What It Offers: Job readiness coaching, resume development, interview preparation, connections to felon-friendly employers, business mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and long-term employment support.
Community Re-Entry Network Program – Job Readiness
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 439-6000
Best For: Recently released individuals needing immediate employment support and skills training.
What It Offers: Job readiness classes, resume building, interview coaching, career development guidance, computer skills training, and connections to local employers.
SER – Jobs for Progress Houston
Address: 1313 Ashland Street, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 773-6000
Best For: Adults seeking job training, education, and employment placement assistance.
What It Offers: Occupational training, GED preparation, job placement, employment readiness workshops, and supportive services for low-income and disadvantaged workers.
Workforce Solutions Greater Houston
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: (713) 627-2200
Best For: Job seekers with records needing training referrals, employer connections, and employment navigation.
What It Offers: Job training resources, career development information, employer listings, vocational guidance, and connections to training providers across 13 counties.
Goodwill Industries of Houston, Inc.
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 529-3300
Best For: Job seekers needing training, work experience, and employment placement.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, resume development, interview preparation, on-the-job training, retail employment opportunities, and wage-earning support.
Education and Job Training Programs in Houston
Education and skill training can transform employment prospects after incarceration. Houston offers several programs to help returning citizens earn credentials, develop skills, and access better-paying positions.
For more, read Resources for Education & Scholarships for Felons.
Houston Community College System – Reentry Programs
Address: Multiple campuses throughout Houston
Phone: (713) 718-7910
Best For: Returning citizens seeking accredited workforce training, certifications, and academic degrees.
What It Offers: Vocational training, certificate programs, GED preparation, college credit courses, job training in high-demand fields, and WIOA-funded programs.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program – eSchool
Address: PEP University and Collider locations
Phone: (832) 767-0928
Best For: Released program participants needing business education, professional skills, and entrepreneurship training.
What It Offers: Weekly eSchool classes taught by executives and MBA candidates covering entrepreneurship, business planning, technology, marketing, finance, and leadership skills.
Work-Faith Connection Training Program
Address: Houston-based program
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: People seeking rapid job readiness training and immediate placement.
What It Offers: Free 8-day intensive job training bootcamp (online and in-person), job placement support, professional development, and faith-based employer connections.
Houston Food Bank Community Kitchen Job Training
Address: Multiple locations
Phone: (713) 223-3700
Best For: Individuals seeking culinary certification and food service employment.
What It Offers: Free 10-week certified culinary training program, professional kitchen certification, employment coaching, job placement assistance, and skills for food service careers.
University of Houston – Continuing Education
Address: 4250 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204
Phone: (713) 743-1010
Best For: Adults seeking career development, certification programs, and professional training.
What It Offers: Professional certifications, workforce training, career development courses, skills training in various industries, and affordable continuing education options.
Substance Abuse Treatment and Support in Houston
Substance abuse is common among people transitioning from incarceration, but recovery is possible. Houston has many treatment options ranging from outpatient counseling to long-term residential programs, and many are free or sliding-scale based on income.
The Harris Center Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program (SUDOP)
Address: Harris County locations
Phone: (713) 970-7000 (24/7 Crisis Line)
Best For: People experiencing substance use disorders and needing community outreach, assessment, and treatment referral.
What It Offers: Community outreach, intake assessments, referrals to detox and outpatient services, case management, and multidisciplinary treatment teams for ages 14 and up.
The Council on Recovery – Outpatient Addiction Services
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 942-4100
Best For: Individuals and families needing affordable substance abuse treatment without insurance or ability to pay.
What It Offers: Free and low-cost outpatient addiction treatment, group counseling, family programs, support groups, whole-family recovery approach, and sliding scale fees.
The Harris Center Residential Substance Use Recovery Services
Address: Harris County treatment locations
Phone: (713) 970-7000
Best For: Adults needing residential inpatient treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What It Offers: Residential substance abuse treatment, psychiatric care, medication management, therapy, skills training, and comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders.
The Montrose Center Substance Abuse Support
Address: 401 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 529-0037
Best For: LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals seeking affirming substance abuse support and recovery services.
What It Offers: Substance abuse support groups, counseling, case management, peer support, housing assistance, and LGBTQ+-affirming treatment options.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 942-4100
Best For: People needing affordable mental health and substance abuse services.
What It Offers: Substance abuse counseling, outpatient treatment, residential programs for men, support groups, dual-diagnosis treatment, and sliding scale fees.
The Texas House – Men’s Residential Treatment
Address: Houston locations
Phone: Contact through website
Best For: Men seeking structured 120-day residential addiction treatment with aftercare support.
What It Offers: Residential substance abuse treatment, counseling, work therapy, spiritual guidance, structured living, two-year optional aftercare, and faith-based recovery model.
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.
CrossWalk Center – Family Reentry Support
Address: 9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 514, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: (713) 237-0880
Best For: Families affected by incarceration seeking support, mentoring, and community connection.
What It Offers: Family support services, mentoring, community reentry resources, navigation assistance, and linkage to faith-based and community support networks.
His Father’s Heart Ministries
Address: Houston-based faith community
Phone: (713) 996-0980
Best For: Ex-offenders, their families, and anyone hurt by incarceration seeking faith-based community support.
What It Offers: Spiritual mentoring, community fellowship, support groups, family assistance, and connection to other reentry resources through faith-based approach.
Bridges to Life Houston
Address: Countywide partnership
Phone: (713) 784-2255
Best For: Returning citizens and families seeking community support, advocacy, and connections to multiple reentry services.
What It Offers: Connection to extensive network of reentry partners, support groups, mentoring, family services, employment assistance, and housing connections.
Star of Hope – Family Support
Address: Multiple Houston locations
Phone: (713) 748-0700
Best For: Homeless families and children needing shelter, case management, and family support services.
What It Offers: Family shelter, case management, job training, education support, youth programs, family counseling, and pathways to permanent housing.
Houston ISD – Reentry Education
Address: Multiple school-based locations
Phone: (713) 556-6000
Best For: Youth and adults needing high school completion, GED, or alternative education options.
What It Offers: GED programs, high school diploma pathways, adult education, career and technical education, youth reentry support through school-based clinics.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Houston/Harris 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.
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 Houston?
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 Houston
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 Houston/Harris 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, Harris County and City of Houston sources, and direct program listings. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please contact us.
