Financial Assistance for Released Prisoners in Texas

Returning to the community after incarceration presents a complex set of challenges. The journey toward stability requires navigating numerous systems to secure basic needs like housing, employment, and healthcare. This information serves as a roadmap for individuals reentering society in Texas, as well as for their families and the case managers who support them.

This overview provides a detailed, step-by-step look at the financial assistance, grants, and support services available across the state. While the path forward may be difficult, a robust network of federal, state, and community-based resources exists to facilitate a successful transition.

From immediate emergency aid to long-term strategies for financial independence, the information is structured to guide individuals from urgent needs to building a stable future. With the right information and support, a new beginning is achievable.

Your First 72 Hours: Immediate Financial and Emergency Support

The first three days after release are a critical period. Access to immediate resources can determine the trajectory of an individual's reentry journey. The focus during this time is on securing survival essentials: transportation, food, appropriate clothing, and a safe place to sleep.

The Second Chance Act (SCA): Your First Line of Emergency Aid

The federal Second Chance Act (SCA) is pivotal legislation authorizing grants to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning to their communities. A key component is "Emergency Services," designed to meet basic needs immediately upon release.

These services are typically one-time assistance and are not intended for long-term support. The aid available directly addresses the most pressing post-release challenges.

What SCA Emergency Services Cover

• Transportation: Funds may be available for emergency taxi fare, a bus ticket for long-distance travel, or gasoline money.
• Food: Assistance can cover the cost of meals, particularly for individuals on long journeys to their home communities.
• Shelter: SCA funds can be used for emergency, short-term shelter when traditional placements are delayed.
• Clothing: Basic clothing is available, which is important for those released in inadequate attire.
• Identification: The program can assist with fees for obtaining a driver's license or other personal IDs, though it does not cover fines.
• Medication and Healthcare: Funds can be used for a one-time purchase of critical prescription medications.

How to Access SCA Funds

Access to these emergency funds is not through a public application. The funds are administered through the criminal justice system. The primary point of contact is your supervising officer. Contact your assigned parole or probation officer to inquire about eligibility and access to Second Chance Act emergency services.

Connecting with 2-1-1 Texas: The Statewide Resource Hotline

Individuals should also tap into the broader network of community-based emergency services available to all Texans. The most efficient way to do this is through 2-1-1 Texas, a free, confidential information and referral service from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

How 2-1-1 Texas Can Help

For a newly released individual, 2-1-1 can provide referrals to organizations that offer:

• Emergency Food: Connections to local food pantries and mobile food programs.
• Emergency Shelter: Information on availability at local homeless shelters and transitional facilities.
• Transportation Assistance: Referrals to programs that offer bus fare or gas money.
• Personal Expenses: Access to clothing closets and providers of personal grooming supplies.
• Financial Crisis Support: Information on local charities that may offer one-time assistance with utility bills or rent.

How to Contact 2-1-1 Texas

Accessing this network is straightforward. Individuals can dial 2-1-1 from any phone or call the toll-free number at (877) 541-7905. The service is available 24/7 and provides help in multiple languages.

Securing Stable Housing: From Transitional Shelters to Your Own Apartment

Stable housing is the most critical factor in reducing recidivism. Without a safe place to live, finding a job and addressing other needs becomes nearly impossible. The housing pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals in Texas progresses through four distinct tiers.

Tier 1: State-Sponsored and Mandated Housing

For many individuals on parole or community supervision, the first housing placement is a requirement of their release plan. These facilities provide a structured and supervised transition.

Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) / Halfway Houses

RRCs, or halfway houses, are facilities contracted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Placement in an RRC allows for a gradual reintegration, giving residents the opportunity to secure employment, participate in treatment, and reestablish family ties while still under custody.

Services include case management, employment assistance, and substance abuse education. Residents are required to pay subsistence fees, generally calculated as 25% of their gross income. The TDCJ contracts with providers to operate RRCs in major Texas cities, including Austin, Beaumont, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

Temporary Housing Assistance Program (THAP)

THAP is a TDCJ initiative providing short-term financial support for housing, clothes, and food for certain inmates with no other housing options.

• Eligibility: An individual may be eligible if they are approved for parole and awaiting a halfway house placement, or if they are approaching their release date but have been unable to secure an approved residence.
• How to Access: There is no application for the individual. All inmates are automatically screened for THAP eligibility by the TDCJ Release and Placement Unit.
• Key Limitations: THAP does not pay for an individual to live with friends or family. It is not available in Texas's most populous counties, including Dallas, Harris (Houston), Tarrant (Fort Worth), and Travis (Austin). Assistance is limited to a maximum of three months.

Tier 2: Non-Profit and Faith-Based Transitional Housing

For those who need a longer-term supportive environment, nonprofit and faith-based transitional housing programs are a vital resource. These programs offer comprehensive support services designed to foster long-term stability.

• Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.): Based in Dallas, T.O.R.I. partners with a network of shelters, transitional housing programs, and property owners to help clients find a safe place to live.
• Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas): VOA Texas operates several residential programs, including the Hutchins and Fort Worth Residential Re-entry Centers, which focus on life skills, addiction recovery, and employment.
• Texas Reach Out Ministries: This Austin-based organization operates multiple transitional homes, offering residents safe housing alongside spiritual guidance and employment assistance.
• The Way Back (Dallas): This program provides whole-person care and case management, with a specific initiative for women with a history of substance abuse.
• Bridges To Life (Houston): This organization provides a directory of housing partners in the Greater Houston area, including Angela House (for women) and Spirit Key Ministry (for men).

Tier 3: The Reentry Assistance Pilot Program for Rental Help

Launched in March 2024 by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), this program provides direct financial assistance to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable rental housing.

Program Benefits and Eligibility

This program is a crucial tool for bridging the gap to independent living.

• What it Provides: Funds can be used for security deposits, initial rent payments, and other associated costs.
• Eligibility: To qualify, an individual must be formerly incarcerated and have an annual income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
• How to Apply: The TDHCA provides funds to four local organizations that administer the program. Individuals must apply through the designated partner in their service area.

Local Program Administrators

• Legacy Community Development Corporation (Port Arthur / Jefferson County): To apply, individuals must request an application from the Re-Entry Housing Specialist, Angel Williams-Foster, via the organization's website.
• Community Services of Northeast Texas (Linden / Northeast Texas Counties): Contact them by phone at 903-717-8424 or visit their website at csntexas.org.
• Concho Valley Community Action Agency (San Angelo / Concho Valley): Reach them by phone at (325) 653-2411, by email at housing@cvcaa.org, or visit their website at www.cvcaa.org.
• City of Fort Worth (Fort Worth / Tarrant County): Applications are managed through the Community Action Partners (CAP) online portal. Direct all inquiries to CAP@FortWorthTexas.gov.

Tier 4: Finding "Felon-Friendly" Apartments

Securing housing in the private rental market is the ultimate goal but also the most challenging step. Most landlords conduct criminal background checks, but options are available.

Strategies for the Private Market

• Understand Screening Policies: Be aware of common rental criteria. Some complexes automatically deny applicants with specific offenses or any felony within a 5 to 10-year timeframe. Others may be more lenient with non-violent or older offenses.
• Houston: Explore "second chance leasing" programs or affordable properties like Riveraine Apartments or Forest Creek Apartments.
• Dallas: Affordable housing communities like Vinewood Apartments and Rolling Meadows Apartments may offer more flexible screening. Some property management companies like Invitation Homes have clear policies, such as a 6-year lookback period for felonies.
• Austin: Specialized apartment locator services work specifically with individuals who have criminal backgrounds. They maintain databases of "felony approved" apartments and can advocate for their clients.
• San Antonio: The Bexar County Reentry Center provides resource lists for supportive living options. Exploring affordable communities like Brigadoon Apartments or Timber Ridge Apartments may also be a good strategy.

Finding Work and Building a Career: Employment Assistance in Texas

Stable employment is the engine of successful reentry. The state of Texas, through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), offers a powerful suite of free programs designed to help "Second Chance Individuals" overcome barriers to employment.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Your Employment Ally

The TWC has created specific initiatives to facilitate the hiring of formerly incarcerated individuals. The primary access point for these services is your local Workforce Solutions office, which is also part of the national American Job Centers network.

These centers provide free access to career counselors, job listings, resume assistance, and training opportunities. You can find your nearest center using the Career One Stop online locator.

Key TWC Programs for Ex-Offenders

The TWC's strategy is about making justice-involved job seekers a more attractive and less risky candidate to a potential employer.

Fidelity Bonding Program

This program provides a free fidelity bond, which is an insurance policy protecting an employer against potential losses from employee dishonesty. Offered at no cost to the employer for the first six months, this service directly addresses a common fear among businesses. A job seeker can present this as a state-backed guarantee of their trustworthiness.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The WOTC is a federal tax credit for employers who hire individuals from certain target groups, including ex-offenders hired within a year of their release. This credit can be worth thousands of dollars, turning the hiring decision into a financial asset for the company. By informing an employer of their WOTC eligibility, a candidate becomes a more attractive applicant.

Accessing WIOA-Funded Vocational Training

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) allocates funds to states for job training and career services. Formerly incarcerated individuals may qualify for WIOA-funded training, which can pay for certifications in high-demand fields.

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Welding
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• IT and Medical Coding
• Culinary Arts

The pathway to these funds is through the local Workforce Solutions office. A career counselor will help determine eligibility, identify career interests, and connect you with approved training providers.

Key Non-Profit Employment Programs

In addition to state services, a network of nonprofit organizations provides specialized employment support.

• Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas): VOA Texas runs targeted programs like the Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program and the Fresh Start Re-entry Program in Houston. These offer job skills training, financial literacy, and connections to local employers.
• Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP): PEP leverages its vast network of business leaders and employer partners to help participants secure livable-wage jobs.
• Miles of Freedom (Dallas): This organization's Reentry Assistance Program provides job readiness workshops and direct assistance with finding employment.
• Unlocking Doors (Dallas/Tarrant County): Unlocking Doors uses a "Reentry Brokerage®" model. Reentry Brokers™ connect clients to a vetted network of companies committed to providing stable employment for former offenders.

Grants and Direct Financial Aid: Funding Your Second Chance

Direct financial aid is available in the form of grants, targeted toward two specific pathways for long-term advancement: higher education and entrepreneurship.

Educational Grants: A New Era of Opportunity

A recent change in federal policy has reopened the doors to higher education for formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Pell Grant Reinstatement: As of July 1, 2023, individuals who were previously incarcerated are once again eligible to apply for Federal Pell Grants. Pell Grants are federal aid that does not have to be repaid and can be used for undergraduate education. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Scholarship Opportunities: A number of private scholarships exist specifically for currently or formerly incarcerated individuals who wish to further their education. These awards can help cover costs that Pell Grants may not.

Starting Your Own Business: Grants for Entrepreneurs

For some, entrepreneurship offers the most direct path to economic self-sufficiency. Several programs and grants are available to help with startup capital.

• General Grant Databases: Start your search at Grants.gov, the federal government's central database. Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) also offer free counseling and can help identify funding opportunities.
• Specific Programs and Grants:
• Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP): PEP's Entre Capital program prepares graduates to be loan-ready and may supply a loan to help launch their venture.
• NASE Growth Grants: The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers quarterly grants of up to $4,000 to its members. Applicants must demonstrate a clear business need for the funds. 
• TRANSFORM Business Grant: This is a $1,000 microgrant for entrepreneurs from systematically oppressed groups, including formerly incarcerated people. It also includes a year-long business development program.
• Entrepreneurship Training Programs: Organizations like Defy Ventures and Inmates to Entrepreneurs provide essential business training and mentorship, which strengthens a business plan and makes an entrepreneur a more competitive applicant for other funding.

Rebuilding Your Financial Life: Banking, Credit, and Money Management

Long-term stability requires not just an income, but the tools to manage it effectively. Establishing a positive financial footprint is essential for accessing housing, transportation, and other necessities.

First Steps: Opening a Bank Account

A checking or savings account is the foundation of modern financial life. It is necessary for receiving direct deposits, paying bills, and beginning to save. Many reentry programs, like the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.), include learning how to open a bank account as a key part of their financial literacy training.

Essential Financial Literacy Programs

These programs provide the critical skills needed to manage money, create a budget, and plan for the future.

• T.O.R.I. "Winning with Money": This comprehensive 12-week course is required for any T.O.R.I. client applying for housing or financial assistance through the program.
• VOA Texas FRESH START PROGRAM: This Houston-based program lists Financial Literacy as one of its four core services, offering a holistic approach to financial stability.
• "Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Re-entry": This financial empowerment toolkit from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is designed to help justice-involved individuals navigate financial challenges, with modules on debt, credit reports, and background screening.
• Travis County Reentry Resources: This Austin-based program provides educational tools and sessions that help with financial literacy and other essential soft skills.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding Your Credit

A poor or non-existent credit history is a significant barrier. Rebuilding credit is a slow process that requires patience and consistency.

1. Pull Your Credit Reports and Credit Scores. Get free copies of your credit reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review these reports for errors and see what debts are outstanding.
2. Address Delinquent Accounts. If you have old accounts in collections, contact creditors to arrange settlements or payment plans. For very old debts, consult with a Legal Aid office before making any payments, as this can restart the statute of limitations for being sued.
3. Start Small with New Credit. Avoid applying for multiple major credit cards at once. A better approach is to start small:

• Become an Authorized User: A family member with good credit can add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards. The positive payment history will then appear on your credit report.   
• Get a Secured Credit Card: These cards require a cash deposit that serves as the credit limit. By making small purchases and paying the balance in full each month, you can begin to build a positive payment history.

4. Diversify Credit with a Loan. A mix of credit types benefits your score. A credit-builder loan from a local credit union is an excellent tool. The borrowed amount is held in a savings account until the loan is fully paid off, while the lender reports your consistent monthly payments to the credit bureaus.

The Foundational Step: Recovering Your Vital Documents

Before you can apply for a job, bank account, or housing, you must have proper identification. Recovering vital documents—a state ID card, a Social Security card, and a birth certificate—is the non-negotiable first step.

Leveraging Pre-Release Assistance from the TDCJ

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has integrated document recovery into its reentry process. Phase I of the TDCJ's Reentry Program is "Identification Processing," designed to assist eligible offenders in obtaining these documents at the time of release. Individuals still incarcerated should work with their unit case manager to complete all necessary paperwork.

Post-Release Document Recovery

For those released without their documents, several county-level and nonprofit programs can help.

• Travis County Reentry Resources: This Austin-based program lists "Vital Document Recovery" as a core service, offering help to obtain birth certificates, driver's licenses or ID cards, and Social Security cards.
• Bexar County Reentry Center: The San Antonio center also provides "ID Recovery" as one of its available services to help clients overcome this initial barrier.

How-To Guides for Each Document

How to Obtain Your Texas State ID Card

Applying for a state ID requires presenting documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proving:

1. U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence (e.g., a certified birth certificate)
2. Texas Residency (e.g., a letter from a halfway house or shelter)
3. Identity (e.g., a TDCJ parole or release certificate)
4. Social Security Number

The DPS offers an interactive REAL ID Document Check Application online to help create a customized checklist of the documents you will need.

How to Replace Your Social Security Card

A replacement Social Security card can be requested from the Social Security Administration (SSA), sometimes online through a "my Social Security" account. If not, an application must be submitted with proof of identity and citizenship, such as a state ID card or birth certificate. The SSA has prerelease agreements with some correctional facilities to help streamline this process.

How to Secure a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate

To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, you must apply to the vital statistics office in the county or state where you were born. The applicant must be a "properly qualified applicant," which includes the person named on the record or their immediate family. A valid photo ID is required.

Texas Reentry Resources: A City and County-Level Directory

While state and federal programs provide a broad framework, the most impactful assistance is often local. Texas's major metropolitan areas have developed ecosystems of agencies and nonprofits that provide comprehensive services.

Major Statewide and Regional Organizations

• Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.): Based in Dallas with statewide reach, T.O.R.I. offers support with housing partnerships, employment services, and financial literacy.
• Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas): Operating in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, VOA Texas provides Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), employment services, and financial literacy programs.
• Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP): This statewide program offers transitional housing, employment services, financial literacy, and access to capital for entrepreneurs.
• Unlocking Doors: Serving Dallas and Tarrant counties, this organization provides referrals for housing, vital documents, and connects clients to a dedicated employer network.
• Miles of Freedom: Based in Dallas, this group focuses on employment services.
• Texas Reach Out: This Austin organization provides faith-based transitional homes and employment assistance.

Comprehensive Resource Hubs in Major Metro Areas

Dallas County and Tarrant County

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has a dense network of reentry services.

• Unlocking Doors®: This nonprofit functions as a "home-base" for reentry, using a brokerage model where clients are assigned a "Reentry Broker™" who connects them to a wide network of community partners.
• Tarrant County Re-Entry Program: This initiative includes the Reentry First-Stop Center in Fort Worth, which provides an orientation and access to a myriad of free resources and navigation services.
• Other Key Dallas Resources: The city is home to T.O.R.I. , Miles of Freedom , and The Way Back.

Harris County (Houston)

Houston has a strong, city-led initiative complemented by numerous nonprofit partners.

• Community Re-Entry Network Program (CRNP): Operated by the Houston Health Department, the CRNP is a primary hub for returning citizens, offering case management, counseling, job readiness, and life skills courses.
• Workforce Solutions: The Houston area is served by numerous Workforce Solutions career offices, providing essential job search and training services.
• Other Key Houston Resources: The VOA Texas Fresh Start Program offers job skills and financial literacy training , and Bridges to Life provides an extensive directory of local partners.

Travis County (Austin)

Austin's reentry support system is anchored by a dedicated county government department.

• Travis County Reentry Resources: This is the main county-level provider, offering job search assistance, case management, limited emergency transitional housing fees, financial literacy education, and vital document recovery. They also compile a comprehensive annual Reentry Resource Guide.
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area: With offices in East, North, and South Austin, this agency provides the full range of TWC employment and training services.
• Other Key Austin Resources: Texas Reach Out Ministries provides a network of faith-based transitional homes.

Bexar County (San Antonio)

Bexar County has a centralized Reentry Center that serves as the primary point of contact.

• Bexar County Reentry Center: This center is a one-stop hub to help justice-involved individuals increase their employability and access educational resources, job assistance, and health services. It offers ID recovery, job readiness training, utility assistance, and more.
• Workforce Solutions Alamo: Local career centers provide access to state-sponsored employment programs and job training opportunities for the region.

Support for Specific Populations

Several programs in Texas are tailored to meet the unique needs of specific populations.

• Veterans: The TDCJ operates a Veterans Reentry Dorm at the Travis State Jail. This program provides specialized rehabilitation and, upon release, peer coordinators help participants secure housing, enroll in VA health benefits, and access employment services.
• Women: VOA Texas's Resolana program provides classes and resources for women in the Dallas County Jail and continues support post-release. Their MINT (Mothers and Infants Nurturing Together) program serves pregnant offenders. Nonprofits like Angela House in Houston provide therapeutic housing for women.
• Wrongfully Convicted: For individuals who maintain their innocence, the Innocence Project of Texas is a critical resource. This nonprofit provides free investigative and legal services to people incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.

Frequently Asked Questions