Reentry & Returning Citizens
Resources and rights for people returning from incarceration
Coming home from incarceration is a major transition — and one that comes with significant barriers but also real resources. Philadelphia has a network of organizations specifically focused on reentry support, from housing and employment to legal record relief and healthcare. This guide is a practical map of what's available and how to access it.
Practical next steps
Secure your key documents as soon as possible
The most immediate priority is getting your key identity documents: (1) Social Security card — apply at the Social Security Administration office. (2) Birth certificate — request from the vital records office of your state of birth. (3) Pennsylvania state ID — apply at PennDOT with your birth certificate and Social Security card. These documents are the foundation for everything else: housing, employment, benefits.
Housing: know your options in Philadelphia
Options include: reentry-specific transitional housing programs (Renewal Inc., Resources for Human Development, Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission), halfway houses required by parole, family or friends, rapid rehousing programs, and eventually independent housing. The Philadelphia Reentry Coalition maintains an up-to-date resource guide at philadelphiareentrycoalition.org.
Connect with a reentry organization on day one
Philadelphia has dedicated reentry organizations that provide comprehensive support — case management, housing, employment, and legal help all in one place. Renewal Inc. at 215-879-0300 is one of the most comprehensive. JEVS Human Services at 215-854-1800 also provides reentry employment services. Contact them before or on the day of your release if possible.
Know your benefits eligibility
Upon release, you may be eligible for: Medicaid (apply immediately through COMPASS — eligibility often resumes upon release), SNAP food assistance (food stamps — apply through COMPASS), SSI/SSDI if you have a disability. Drug felony convictions no longer automatically bar you from federal benefits in Pennsylvania.
Employment with a record
Pennsylvania's Fair Employment laws and Ban the Box legislation limit when employers can ask about your criminal history. Many Philadelphia employers are 'fair chance' employers committed to hiring people with records. JEVS, PowerCorps PHL, and PA CareerLink all provide employment services specifically for returning citizens.
Know about expungement and record sealing
Depending on your conviction, you may be eligible to expunge or seal your record — which removes it from most background checks and dramatically improves employment and housing prospects. See the Getting Your Record Cleared guide. Contact the Defender Association or Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity for free help.
Healthcare: get covered immediately
Apply for Medicaid through COMPASS as soon as you're released. Many people are surprised to learn their Medicaid eligibility resumes immediately upon release. If you have substance use or mental health needs, Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health (DBHIDS) provides publicly funded services: call 215-685-6440.
Understand your parole or probation requirements exactly
Read your supervision conditions carefully and follow them precisely. Missing check-ins or violating conditions can result in return to incarceration. If you have questions about your conditions, ask your supervision officer — don't guess.
Voting rights are restored upon release
In Pennsylvania, your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration — even while on parole or probation. You can register to vote immediately at vote.pa.gov. This is your right; use it.
Resource starting points
- Philadelphia Reentry Coalition
Comprehensive reentry resource guide for Philadelphia returning citizens.
- PA Reentry Council
Statewide reentry resources and policy information.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Renewal Inc.
Comprehensive reentry services — transitional housing, employment, case management, and life skills for returning citizens.
- JEVS Human Services
Employment services, job training, and reentry support programs for people with criminal backgrounds.
- Amistad Law Project
Reentry legal services — expungement, record sealing, parole advocacy, and criminal justice reform.
- PowerCorps PHL
Paid workforce training and job placement program with a specific track for justice-involved young adults.
- Philadelphia Reentry Coalition
Coordinates reentry services across Philadelphia and maintains a comprehensive resource directory.
Helpful things to know
The Philadelphia Reentry Coalition resource guide
philadelphiareentrycoalition.org maintains an up-to-date directory of every reentry resource in Philadelphia — housing, employment, legal, health, and more.
Apply for Medicaid the day you're released
Healthcare coverage is one of the most important stabilizers. Apply through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us on day one.
Your voting rights are restored when you leave
Register to vote at vote.pa.gov. Your vote matters, and voting is one of the ways you participate in shaping your community.
Common questions
Can I get public housing with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it occurred. PHA has specific policies on who can and cannot live in public housing. Contact PHA directly at 215-684-4000 or ask a reentry organization to help you navigate this.
Can employers discriminate against me because of my record?
Philadelphia's Fair Chance hiring ordinance limits when employers can ask about criminal history and how they can use it. Employers cannot automatically reject all applicants with records. If you believe you've been illegally denied a job due to your record, contact Community Legal Services.
What if I have children I want to reconnect with?
Family reunification after incarceration involves family court and, if children were in foster care, DHS. The Support Center for Child Advocates (215-925-0860) and Community Legal Services can help you understand and navigate this process.