Reentry Resources in Pennsylvania (2025 Directory)
Jump to: Overview • Housing • Jobs • Legal Help • Credit & Money
Overview
Pennsylvania’s reentry system combines state-run support with strong county and nonprofit networks. The PA Department of Corrections and county Reentry Coalitions coordinate referrals for housing, employment, behavioral health, and ID restoration, with larger hubs like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg offering the most structured services and transitional housing options. Many counties rely on community-based organizations and probation/parole for navigation and case-management support.
Expect eligibility screening, documentation requirements, and waitlists for housing and workforce programs. Record-clearing follows Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate and expungement statutes; petitions and processes vary by county and offense type, and legal aid groups regularly assist with filings and pardon applications. Individuals benefit from early navigation and connecting with county coalitions immediately upon release.
Housing Assistance
Regional housing note: Pennsylvania is a mixed model. Housing support often runs through DOC community corrections and county coalitions, plus nonprofit partners. Verify supervision status, sobriety requirements, and any resident cost-share before applying.
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Redemption Housing (Philadelphia) | Provides transitional and supportive housing for returning citizens as they reintegrate into the community after incarceration. Faith-based nonprofit focused on stability, mentorship, and recovery. | Visit |
| Westmoreland Community Action | Operates a Re-Entry Housing program (3–6 months) for adults released from correctional facilities or forensic programs in Westmoreland County. Includes case management and reintegration support. | Visit |
| Philadelphia Reentry Coalition | Network of 200+ partner organizations improving housing, employment, and support access for returning citizens across Philadelphia. Offers centralized reentry resources and referral links. | Visit |
Job & Employer Programs
Regional job note: Pennsylvania’s reentry employment network combines statewide workforce offices with private nonprofits focused on training and transitional work. Check eligibility and supervision requirements before applying.
| Program / Organization | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – Pennsylvania | Provides paid transitional work, job coaching, and employer connections for returning citizens. Active offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. | Visit |
| PA CareerLink Lancaster County – Re-Entry Services | Career center program designed for justice-impacted individuals. Offers job training, resume workshops, mock interviews, and employer referrals in Lancaster County. | Visit |
| PCSI (Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc.) – Work Ready Program | Helps formerly incarcerated adults build work readiness, gain certifications, and secure employment through case management and supportive services in Allegheny County. | Visit |
Tip: Many counties also run small “Second Chance” employment initiatives through local reentry coalitions — check your nearest PA CareerLink office for regional listings.
Legal Help & Record Clearing
| Organization | Services | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Community Legal Services – Clean Slate Screener | Free tool to check eligibility and start record-clearing in PA (Philadelphia focus for direct representation). | Visit |
| PA LawHelp – MyCleanSlatePA | Learn how Clean Slate sealing works statewide; links to local legal help. | Visit |
| Allegheny County – Expungements | County instructions and forms for expungement/limited access (Pittsburgh area). | Visit |
Tip: For legal listings, verify eligibility, conviction type, and any fees — requirements differ by county.
Credit & Financial Support
| Program | Focus | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bank On Keystone Coalition | Statewide initiative offering safe, low-fee checking accounts through partner banks and credit unions to help residents rebuild financial stability and avoid predatory fees. | Visit |
| Clarifi (Philadelphia) | Nonprofit providing credit counseling, debt management, and financial coaching to individuals seeking to rebuild credit or manage budgets after incarceration or hardship. | Visit |
| Philadelphia Financial Empowerment Centers (FEC) | Free city program offering one-on-one financial counseling for Philadelphia residents, covering credit repair, debt reduction, and budgeting. | Visit |
Note: A dedicated statewide credit-repair program exclusively for individuals with criminal records was not located. The organizations listed above provide the best available substitute options for financial education and rebuilding credit after incarceration.