Reentry Resources in Massachusetts (2025 Directory)
Jump to: Overview • Housing • Jobs • Legal Help • Credit & Money
Overview
Massachusetts offers a strong network of reentry support for people returning from incarceration. The state combines community-based housing programs, workforce training, and legal services designed to reduce barriers to stability. Many reentry services operate in partnership with local sheriff’s offices, the Department of Correction, and community organizations in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and other regions.
Housing options include transitional programs and justice-focused advocacy groups working to expand fair housing access. Job support is available through MassHire career centers, targeted reentry programs, and employer-linked training pathways. Massachusetts also provides resources for record sealing and expungement, along with financial counseling and free tax assistance.
These programs help individuals rebuild stability, gain employment, and reestablish roots in their communities.
Housing Assistance
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Justice Housing | Support and advocacy for people with criminal records facing housing barriers. Works to expand fair housing access and empower formerly incarcerated individuals. | Visit |
| Volunteers of America Massachusetts | Reentry housing and support through partnerships with county correctional facilities. Offers case management, stabilization services, and transitional housing programs, including specialized services for women and veterans. | Visit |
| Gavin Foundation – Reentry & Transitional Housing (Boston) | Structured transitional housing with case management, employment assistance, and recovery support for individuals returning from incarceration and reentering the community. | Visit |
Job & Employer Programs
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| MassHire Career Centers (State Workforce Agency) | Job centers statewide: job search help, apprenticeships/OJT, resume support, employer referrals, plus bonding & WOTC for people with records. | Visit |
| ROCA Massachusetts (Boston, Chelsea, Lynn, Springfield/Holyoke) | Intensive re-entry and employment program for high-risk young adults and justice-involved women. Offers transitional work crews, coaching, and job placement for individuals who need structured long-term support. | Visit |
| STRIVE Boston | Intensive job-readiness bootcamp with placement support. Focus on folks with barriers to work, including those with criminal records; ongoing coaching to keep jobs. | Visit |
Legal Help & Record Clearing
| Organization | Services | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Boston Legal Services | Free legal services for people with records, focusing on sealing CORI and removing barriers to jobs & housing. | Visit |
| Community Legal Aid | Legal representation and advice for justice-involved individuals across central & western Massachusetts, specifically for record sealing, | Visit |
| Legal Services Center (Harvard Law) | Offers clinics and free guidance on sealing/expunging criminal records in Massachusetts; helps determine eligibility and navigate forms. | Visit |
Credit & Financial Support
| Program | Focus | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bank On (Massachusetts) | Safe checking accounts (no overdraft), second-chance banking, help opening accounts with participating banks/credit unions. | Visit |
| Metro Housing Boston – Financial Assistance & Coaching | Budget & credit coaching, rental stabilization funding, tenant support, and help navigating benefits. | Visit |
| MASSCAP (Community Action Agencies & VITA Programs) | Free tax preparation, budgeting help, and credit-building support through local Community Action Agencies and IRS-certified VITA sites across Massachusetts. | Visit |