Reentry Resources in Texas (2025 Directory)
Jump to: Overview • Housing • Jobs • Legal Help • Credit & Money
Overview
Texas uses a decentralized, partner-driven reentry system. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) handles release planning, referrals, and documents, while most housing and services operate through nonprofits, faith-based programs, and county coalitions. Workforce help runs through Workforce Solutions centers and city programs. Housing access varies widely by region, with stronger networks in major metros.
Record relief options include expunction and orders of nondisclosure, but eligibility and processing depend on county and case type. Expect screening and documentation requirements, especially for housing and workforce programs. Users may need to contact multiple providers depending on location.
Housing Assistance
Regional housing note: Texas leans private/faith-based with some contracted placements. Verify supervision status, sobriety rules, background criteria, and any resident cost-share before applying.
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TDCJ – Reentry & Integration Division | State office coordinating reentry planning, IDs, benefits, and referrals to housing/support providers. | Visit |
| The Way Back House (Dallas) | Transitional housing and reentry services including employment support, IDs, and case management for individuals returning from incarceration; Dallas-based. | Visit |
| Volunteers of America Texas – Reentry | Residential reentry and support services at select Texas sites; referrals typically required. | Visit |
Job & Employer Programs
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission) | Career centers statewide offering training, certification pathways, and employers open to second-chance hiring. | Visit |
| Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) – Workforce Services | Career coaching, job readiness training, and employment placement for returning citizens; Dallas-based with statewide support services. | Visit |
| Goodwill Central Texas – Reentry Services (Austin) | Justice-involved jobseekers get training, credentials, and employer connections. | Visit |
Legal Help & Record Clearing
| Organization | Services | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TexasLawHelp – Expunction & Nondisclosure | Plain-language guides, eligibility, and forms for clearing/sealing records statewide. | Visit |
| Lone Star Legal Aid | Civil legal aid across East/Southeast TX; record-clearing help and barrier-removal (region-dependent). | Visit |
| Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) | Free civil legal services across South/West TX; expunction/nondisclosure assistance for eligible clients. | Visit |
Tip: For legal listings, verify eligibility, conviction type, and any fees — counties differ on expunction vs. orders of nondisclosure and local filing steps.
Credit & Financial Support
| Program | Focus | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bank On Houston | City coalition connecting residents to certified, low-fee “Bank On” accounts and financial coaching. | Visit |
| United Way of Metropolitan Dallas – Financial Coaching | Free 1:1 financial coaching (budgeting, debt, savings) for low-income and justice-impacted residents in Dallas County. | Visit |
| San Antonio Financial Empowerment Centers | Free 1:1 counseling (credit, budgeting, debt) for city residents by appointment. | Visit |
Note: A dedicated statewide credit-repair program exclusively for individuals with criminal records was not located. The organizations above provide the best available substitute options for financial education and rebuilding credit after incarceration.