Find Christian help
Christian Help After Prison (Reentry)
Coming home from prison is hard, and a fresh start is possible. Prison Fellowship, the largest Christian ministry to prisoners and their families, offers reentry support, and many churches and organizations help with jobs, housing, and belonging. You are more than your record, and you are welcome.
Real ways to find help now
Reentry basics
- Dial 211 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential local referral line for food, housing, and more, in most of the United States and Canada.
- Search findhelp.org by your ZIP code for free and reduced-cost programs near you.
- Find reentry programs and resources near you through the National Reentry Resource Center.
Christian organizations that help with this
The organizations below are real and are listed for information only, not as an endorsement. Please look into each one yourself and reach out directly.
- Prison Fellowship. Founded by Charles Colson; the largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, with in-prison programs and reentry support.
- The Salvation Army. Offers reentry services, housing, work programs, and support for people leaving incarceration.
- Catholic Charities and local churches. Many provide mentoring, job help, housing referrals, and community for returning citizens. Ask what is available near you.
- Local reentry ministries. Community-based Christian reentry programs across the country help with the first weeks home, from IDs and transportation to work and welcome.
God is in the business of second chances, and his mercy is not exhausted by anyone’s past. If you would like prayer as you start again, you are welcome to reach out.
You are not carrying this alone
Whatever help you find, and we hope you find real help, you are also welcome to something the organizations above cannot give: a friend who has borne every burden. Jesus said, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ You do not have to believe anything first, or pray a certain way, or clean yourself up. You can simply come, tell him the truth, and ask. If you would like someone to pray with you, ours is here.
Ask for prayerFind help near meWho is Jesus?Jesus Christ is Lord.
Frequently asked questions
- What Christian organizations help people after prison?
- Prison Fellowship is the largest Christian ministry serving prisoners and returning citizens, with reentry support. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and many local churches and reentry ministries also help with jobs, housing, and belonging.
- Where do I start with reentry after prison?
- Dial 211 for local referrals and search the National Reentry Resource Center (nationalreentryresourcecenter.org) for programs near you covering IDs, jobs, housing, and support.
- Can a church really help me start over?
- Yes. Many churches welcome and mentor returning citizens, help with practical needs, and offer genuine community. You are more than your record, and you are welcome.