After getting out of prison, finding housing for felons is one of the biggest challenges to start over. It is tough enough to reentering society after prison but without stable housing, it can feel impossible. Every year, thousands of people with felony convictions face landlord rejections, sky-high rent, discrimination, and complex rules that make finding a safe place to live feel out of reach.
But here’s the good news: housing assistance for felons does exist, and more resources are opening up every year to help people get a real second chance.
Government and Nonprofit programs are also available to provide financial assistance for released prisoners to pay their rent.
In this guide, you’ll find practical, trustworthy ways to get housing help for felons — including public housing, Section 8, second-chance rentals, nonprofits, and various housing programs for released inmates.
Why Housing Assistance is Important for Felons
Housing is more than shelter — it’s the foundation for rebuilding a stable life. Without it, many people face homelessness, unemployment, and a higher risk of returning to prison.
- Prevents Homelessness: Without help, many people who get out of prison can’t afford rent and face discrimination from landlords, which often leaves them homeless. Housing programs help prevent this and give them a fair chance to start over.
- Provides Stability: When people have a stable place to stay, they don’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep. Instead, they can look for work, get training, spend time with family, and focus on turning their lives around. A safe home gives them the chance to move forward.
- Reduces Recidivism: Studies show that people who find housing immediately after leaving prison are have lower recidivism rates compared to those who do not. Having a stable home is one of the most important steps to a fresh start.
- Improves Mental Health: Homelessness and housing instability lead to immense stress and deterioration of mental health. Access to affordable housing alleviates this burden.
- Builds Productivity: Housing is one of our most basic needs. When people have an affordable place to live, they can focus on work and other goals instead of just trying to survive.
The evidence is clear – housing assistance should be a top priority for anyone seeking to reduce recidivism rates and successfully reintegrate felons into communities.
10 Best Housing Programs For Released Inmates
Various government and nonprofit programs aim to help felons find affordable rental housing or even home ownership opportunities. Here are some of the main options:
1. HUD Public Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds public housing managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Many PHAs accept felons, depending on the crime type and how long ago it happened.
There are over 1 million public housing units across the country.
Pros:
- Units are subsidized so Rent is capped at 30% of income
- Many units available nationwide
- No big upfront deposits
Cons:
- Long waitlists in some areas
- Some crimes (like meth production in federal housing or lifetime sex offender status) can disqualify you
A good way to find felon friendly housing is to speak with local housing authorities.
2. Section 8 Housing Vouchers
What it is:
The Section 8 program helps people with low incomes pay for rent in privately owned apartments or houses. Instead of living in government housing, you can choose your own place to rent, and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to your landlord.
Many people with a criminal record can still qualify for Section 8 — especially if the conviction was for a non-violent crime or if it happened a long time ago.
Why it helps:
- You have the freedom to pick where you live, as long as the landlord accepts Section 8.
- The program helps cover a large part of your rent and sometimes utility bills, so you pay less out of pocket.
What to watch out for:
- There’s usually a long waiting list, sometimes 5 years or more, especially in big cities.
- Not all landlords accept Section 8 vouchers, so you may have to search harder for one who does.
Look for “second-chance landlords” — these are landlords or property managers who rent to people with criminal records and accept Section 8 vouchers. Local reentry programs or housing counselors can often help you find them.
3. Transitional Housing
Transitional housing is short-term housing that helps people move from prison or homelessness into stable, long-term housing. It usually comes with extra support, like counseling or help finding a job.
People can stay in transitional housing for a few weeks up to about two years, depending on the program. Transitional housing assistance can prevent homelessness and offer much-needed support.
Why it helps:
- Shorter wait times than other housing programs
- Extra support services to help you adjust, like counseling or job training
- Helps you move toward permanent housing
What to watch out for:
- You can only stay for a limited time — usually up to 24 months.
- Some programs have strict rules about who can stay there.
Helpful:
Ask local reentry programs, shelters, or nonprofits about transitional housing in your area. They often know what’s available and how to apply.
4. Reentry Programs
Reentry programs help people adjust to life after prison. They focus on giving support with things like finding housing, jobs, counseling, and other services. Many reentry programs work with landlords who are open to renting to people with a criminal record. They often partner with shelters, halfway houses, treatment facilities, and affordable housing providers to help felons find housing.
Most reentry programs are operated by health department staff, non-profit organizations, or county jails. Reentry programs provide housing information and resources to help people reenter society after incarceration.
Why it helps:
- Designed for people coming out of jail or prison
- Connects you with felon-friendly apartments and landlords
- Offers extra support like job help and counseling
What to watch out for:
- Funding is often limited, so spots can be hard to get sometimes
- Not every city or town has reentry programs
Helpful:
Start by contacting your local health department, county jail, or nonprofit groups that help former inmates. They can tell you what reentry programs are available near you.
5. Halfway Housing
Halfway houses for felons, also called residential reentry centers (RRCs), help felons adjust to community life. Some people are required to stay in a halfway house after they’re released, while others choose to stay there if they don’t have another safe place to live yet.
In a halfway house, felons have rules to follow, like curfews, chores, or check-ins. The goal is to help them get used to living in the community again while having a safe place to stay.
Why it helps:
- Provides food and a secure place to sleep
- Gives structure and supervision during the transition
- Helps people move toward independent living
What to watch out for:
- There are strict rules and monitoring — breaking rules could send you back to prison
- There’s not always much privacy
- They may not help much with finding a job or healthcare
Helpful:
If you know you’ll be released soon, ask your case manager or parole officer about halfway house options ahead of time. Planning early can help you get a spot faster.
6. Second Chance Housing for Felons
Second chance housing programs are designed to help people with criminal records find felon friendly houses for rent. These programs work with landlords and encourage them to give renters a second chance, even if they have a felony on their record.
One well-known example is HUD’s Fair Housing Initiative, which helps protect people from unfair treatment and encourages landlords to rent to those with a record who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Why it helps:
- Gives people with a criminal history another shot at stable housing
- Connects you with landlords who are open-minded about your past
- Often comes with support or resources to help you stay housed
What to watch out for:
- Availability depends on your area — not every city has second chance programs
- Some landlords still say no, so you may need to apply to a few places
Helpful:
Ask your local housing authority or reentry programs about “second chance” rental options. You can also search online for landlords in your area who advertise as “second chance” or “felon-friendly.”
7. Non-Profit and Religious Organizations
Many nonprofit groups and religious organizations help felons to find safe and affordable housing. They often offer more than just housing — many also provide extra support like job training, counseling, and programs to help felons adjust to life after prison.
Some well-known examples are The Fortune Society and The Osborne Association in New York City, but there are similar groups all over the country.
Why it helps:
- May offer temporary or permanent housing options
- Often include extra services like job help, education, or mentoring
- Usually understand the special challenges people with a record face
What to watch out for:
- Spaces can be limited, so it’s best to reach out early
- Some programs may have rules about who they can help
Helpful:
Look for local churches, charities, or nonprofits in your city that focus on reentry or homelessness. Call 211 or search online for “housing help for ex-offenders” to find programs near you.
8. Affordable Private Housing
Finding affordable housing for felons through private landlords is possible, even without government programs. Some smaller landlords are more flexible about renting to people with a criminal record — and they may skip strict background checks that big rental companies often use.
You can find these rentals by checking websites like Craigslist, Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, or local community ads.
Why it helps:
- You don’t always need a voucher or government approval
- Wait times are usually shorter than public housing programs
- Smaller landlords may be more open to giving people a second chance
What to watch out for:
- There may be fewer cheap rentals available, so you might need to look at a few places
- Application fees, credit checks, or deposits may still be required
Helpful:
✅ Focus on small, individual landlords — they’re usually more flexible than big apartment managers
✅ Be upfront about your record — explain what happened and what you’ve done to move forward
✅ Bring references, proof of income, or a letter from a reentry program to help build trust
How Felon Can Apply for Housing Assistance – (Step-by-Step Process)
To qualify for HUD and other housing assistance programs, you must be a citizen or legal alien of the country and meet the low-income guidelines. Felons can also apply for these programs. Here are some steps to help guide you through the application process:
Step 1: Research Available Programs- The first step is to research the housing assistance options for felons in your area, including local public housing, Section-8 vouchers, and non-profits that offer affordable or transitional housing.
Step 2: Check your eligibility- Check your income and other eligibility requirements before applying for a program. Avoid programs that do not accept felons at all.
Step 3: Collect Required Documents- Most programs require proof of income, identification, and residency. This might include income statements, proof of identity, or a criminal record check. So Be sure to gather all these documents before you start the application process.
Step 3: Contact the Program and Complete the Application- Reach out to the program and ask about their application process. Follow the instructions provided by the program, and provide accurate information about your household size, income, and special circumstances, if any, that may affect your eligibility.
Step 4: Submit Your Application- Complete and submit your application according to the program’s instructions. Some programs accept online submissions, while others may require you to mail or drop off a physical copy.
Step 5: Wait for a Response – When you submit your application, the program may not respond immediately. Be patient, and follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable period of time.
Step 6: Accept the offer and Move in – If approved, complete necessary steps like credit checks, home inspections, etc. to accept the housing/voucher offer. Arrange for deposits, rent payments, utilities, and finally, move-in on the allotted date. Follow the terms of your lease.
Online Platforms to Find Housing for Felons
For released inmates seeking affordable and felon-friendly housing options, here are some online platforms that can help in the search:
1. Craigslist
If you have a felony record and are looking for help with housing, Craigslist is a good option for you. Most of the landlords on Craigslist are willing to work with felons, which makes it easier than dealing with property management companies. Craigslist landlords don’t usually require a background check, unlike apartment complexes.
2. Zillow’s Community Pillar Program
Zillow’s Community Pillar Program aims to provide housing opportunities to people who are disadvantaged. To achieve this, landlords lower their standards and encourage more people to apply. The program makes it easier to find housing for people who have been incarcerated.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Similar to Craigslist, Marketplace allows users to list rental units for lease. Join local Facebook Groups related to housing for felons and assistance programs to find listings.
4. Second Chance Locators
Finding an apartment can be tough for those with a criminal record. Landlords may refuse to rent to someone with a felony on their record. However, there are resources online that can help people with criminal records find apartments that are open to renting to them.
Second-chance locators can help people with criminal records find housing. Some services are commission-based, and other services charge at least three times the rent, and they work with landlords to find an apartment that suits your needs.
5. Zumper
Zumper is a website that can help you find apartments without requiring a background check. While it’s not as popular as Craigslist, it does have a filter that can help you find a place even if you have a criminal record. This feature can make your search for a new home easier and more efficient.
How do you overcome the barriers and discrimination that felons face?
Felons face some discrimination and barriers when it comes to finding affordable housing. This is where housing programs for felons come in and become even more important. Some of the common challenges that felons face include:
- Stigma of criminal record – Landlords worry about risks like relapses and property damage. Stigma limits housing choices.
- Income requirements – Housing programs have strict income cutoffs. Felons often earn less, disqualifying them.
- Employment history – A steady employment history is required. Incarceration gaps make this difficult.
- Credit scores – Many landlords check credit. Felons often have low credit due to debt and bankruptcy.
- Application fees – These screening fees are prohibitive for felons with limited incomes.
- Permanent exclusions – Some housing providers outright refuse to rent to any felons.
Thankfully, there are ways felons can overcome these barriers:
- Seek out felon-friendly housing programs and landlords. Be open about past records.
- Get a case manager through reentry programs to advocate on your behalf.
- Ask about fee waivers and flexible credit for housing applications.
- Explore options to rebuild credit like secured cards and credit builder loans.
- Appeal any denials received by citing evidence of rehabilitation.
- Get character references from probation officers, mentors, employers etc.
- Consider transitional housing first to establish residential history.
Housing for felons is very helpful for this vulnerable group. With determination and persistence, these challenges can be overcome gradually.
Emergency Housing Assistance Options For Felons
If you’re a felon and facing homelessness, you might find emergency housing assistance helpful. Here are some options for temporary accommodations while you seek long-term housing.
- Homeless Shelters – Shelters provide basic dorm-style lodging along with meals, showers, etc.
- Transitional Housing – Short-term housing for 6-24 months offered through reentry programs.
- Halfway Houses – Shared housing with supervision for newly released felons.
- Emergency Vouchers – Limited vouchers issued for emergency housing needs through PHAs.
- Domestic Violence Shelters – Temporary housing for those facing abuse and violence.
- Stay with Family/Friends – Seek out any contacts who can provide temporary lodging.
- Motel Vouchers – Some charities offer emergency motel stays for those facing immediate homelessness.
- Warming Centers – Daytime facilities provide refuge from weather along with housing resources.
- Homeless Outreach – Teams work to connect unsheltered homeless individuals with housing.
Emergency housing services can be a safety net for felons as they transition back into regular life. This can prevent them from ending up on the streets.
Helpful Resources For Low Income Housing for Felons
Here are some recommendations for resources that felons can consult to access housing assistance programs in their communities:
- Local Public Housing Authority – Administers Section 8, public housing, and other HUD programs.
- Reentry Programs – Nonprofit groups supporting the reintegration of person with felony convictions.
- 211 Housing Helpline – Referral service for emergency housing and shelter.
- Salvation Army – Provides housing vouchers along with other services.
- Goodwill – Job training and housing assistance are offered in some locations.
- Criminal Record Clearing – Assistance expunging records to reduce barriers.
- HUD Exchange is a user-friendly guide for HUD’s housing assistance programs. Visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/homeless-help/
Don’t hesitate to contact these organizations for guidance until you can find affordable housing that provides a platform for reintegrating into the community.
Conclusion
Finding stable and affordable housing for felons is challenging. But, there are options available for felons to access public housing assistance programs, transitional housing, and nonprofits that focus on reentry. Although discrimination is still present, these resources can help felons overcome obstacles through persistence. Remember never to give up hope for a second chance.
