For those coming home, for families walking this road, and for anyone who wants to help. These are organizations doing real work on the ground in Texas and beyond.
Please note: I am a private individual and do not operate or endorse any of these organizations. This list is provided as a starting point only. Always verify contact information and program availability directly with the organization before making decisions based on this page.
Incarceration affects the entire family. If your loved one is currently incarcerated — or has recently come home — these resources are for you too.
Every year, Angel Tree delivers Christmas gifts and the Gospel to children of incarcerated parents on behalf of their mom or dad behind bars. A meaningful way for churches to love the families left at home.
prisonfellowship.org/angel-tree →A Christian weekend retreat program for women who have a loved one in prison. Offers community, healing, and connection with others walking the same road. Organized through Kairos Prison Ministry.
kairostexas.org →The official TDCJ resource covering visitation rules, mail, phone calls, commissary deposits, and how to navigate the system when your loved one is inside.
Download Family Guide (PDF) →Research, guides, and data specifically addressing the impact of incarceration on families — children, spouses, and communities.
prisonpolicy.org →Connects families to local social services — food, housing, childcare, mental health, and crisis help. Available by phone or online.
If you or a family member is in emotional crisis — call or text 988. Free, confidential, available 24/7. The stress of incarceration on families is real and you do not have to carry it alone.
The official TDCJ-linked reentry and employment resource portal for individuals preparing for or navigating release.
reentry.tdcj.texas.gov →An interactive dashboard from the Center for Justice Research (Texas Southern University) with data and research on reentry outcomes — a strong reference for understanding what helps people succeed after release.
centerforjusticeresearch.org — Reentry Dashboard →TDCJ's Biennial Reentry & Reintegration Report — statewide recidivism (14.7%, down from 20.3%) and reentry-service numbers for FY2023–2024.
Read the 2024 Biennial Report (PDF) →Provides three-phase reentry support including ID documents, risk assessment, case management, employment readiness, and post-release services.
Official volunteer training and approval for those who want to serve inside Texas prisons and state jails.
Official TDCJ guide covering visitation, mail, phone calls, commissary, and how to navigate the system as a family member.
Download Family Guide (PDF) →Statewide reentry resource guide covering housing, employment, identification documents, legal aid, and community programs.
guides.sll.texas.gov →I lived at The Dream Center for nearly three years — one year in the program, and two years giving back to men in their first year while working a normal job to save money for a car and a home. It changed my life. I share it here because I believe in it.
A faith-based residential program on a 50-plus acre campus in Beaumont, TX — the former Al Price State Juvenile Correctional Facility, off Highway 69. Be prepared for that visual when you first arrive. The program is completely free. They never charged a dime for any expense. The only ask: help with chores on the campus. Residential programs run one to three years depending on individual need. Men who complete the first year are welcome to stay, giving back to newer residents while re-entering the workforce and saving toward independence.
A faith-based residential program in Orange, Texas accepting both men and women. Led by Pastor Randall Hancock, the center is actively welcoming new residents and has space available. Currently housing nine residents.
The Grace of Deliverance Spiritual Growth Center — Orange, TX. Contact the center directly for current availability and intake information.
Men — Pasadena, TX — FREE. A Christian in-house drug and alcohol recovery program. Harbor explicitly states there is no charge for the program. Men must be willing to work, follow house rules, and participate in a structured daily environment. Harbor also operates a thrift store that serves as vocational and work training for residents.
Men — Southeast Houston, TX — FREE. The Doorway Recovery program is a 4 to 5 month residential program, followed by optional transitional living for up to six additional months. During the transitional phase, men are permitted to work while continuing to live on-site. Services include food, shelter, clothing, education, job and vocational support, spiritual development, and daily on-campus service assignments.
A faith-based ministry serving west Houston since 1982. WHAM provides housing assistance, rent and utility support, rapid rehousing, food, clothing, and job training. In partnership with the Energy Corridor Management District and local law enforcement, WHAM now also runs a hotel-to-housing program that places individuals in temporary hotel housing for 2–4 weeks while a case manager works with them toward permanent housing and stability. About 61% of participants have secured permanent housing through that program.
A TDCJ-approved faith-based transitional living program in Houston for men released from incarceration. Offers structured housing, Christian discipleship, accountability, life-skills support, and mentoring. Considered one of the more established Christian transition programs in Texas.
Houston faith-based reentry organization offering discipleship, transitional housing connections, coaching, employment placement, and volunteer training.
Christian transitional homes, discipleship, mentoring, employment support, and reentry community based in Austin.
texasreachout.org →Faith-based reentry support addressing employment, education, housing, healthcare, spiritual guidance, and family reunification — all six core areas of need after release.
medc-tori.org →Prison ministry, reentry support, mentoring, and church connection for the incarcerated and those coming home.
Texas prison ministry emphasizing accountability, victim impact, spiritual transformation, and reentry resources.
bridgestolife.org →Christian prison ministry with inside programs and family support through Kairos Outside — serving both the incarcerated and their loved ones.
kairostexas.org →National Christian prison ministry with in-prison programs, church resources, Angel Tree (gifts for children of incarcerated parents), and reentry partnerships.
prisonfellowship.org →Christ-centered recovery program for hurts, habits, and hang-ups. A strong church partnership option for sobriety, accountability, and community after release.
celebraterecovery.com →A United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) prison ministry bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ behind the walls — including baptisms, discipleship, and spiritual support for incarcerated men and women.
A community of believers committed to carrying the Gospel into correctional facilities and walking alongside the incarcerated in love. Their mission: “If you want to change the world — preach the Gospel.”
Facebook Group →Pre-release and post-release employment, entrepreneurship training, executive mentoring, and long-term reentry support.
pep.org →Job search assistance, training referrals, resume help, workforce offices statewide, and employer connections for returning citizens.
twc.texas.gov →Regional coalition connecting returning citizens in the Fort Worth/Tarrant County area with housing, employment, and support services.
tcreentry.org →Free, confidential crisis support for suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, or emotional distress. Available 24/7.
Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use disorders. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Connects Texans to local social services including food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and crisis assistance. Available by phone and online.
Harris County's designated Local Mental Health Authority, serving Houston and the surrounding area. Provides 24/7 psychiatric crisis care, crisis hotline, walk-in crisis clinic, mobile crisis outreach, and services bridging mental health, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. One of the largest mental health authorities in Texas.
Search tool for food, housing, transportation, health, legal, and financial assistance by ZIP code. Helps connect individuals to local programs quickly.
findhelp.org →Organizations on the ground in Texas fighting for the rights of incarcerated people, their families, and those returning home — and the community voices amplifying those stories.
Peer-led organization providing harm reduction services, reentry peer support, and community outreach for people impacted by incarceration and substance use in Texas. Their Reentry Outreach Team walks alongside returning citizens navigating life after release.
txhra.org →Statewide criminal justice reform organization working to end mass incarceration and bring fairness to the Texas justice system. Advocates for people on the sex offender registry, those serving unjust sentences, and families caught in a system that too often forgets them.
texasvoices.org →Grassroots advocacy organization working to expose conditions inside Texas prisons and fight for the rights of incarcerated people and their families. Founded and led by Tatiana Santollo, the Alliance gives a direct voice to those most impacted by the system.
texasprisonsalliance.org →A Substack publication centered on advocacy, solidarity, and support for women impacted by incarceration. A space for voices that are too often left out of the conversation — written for, and by, those who refuse to let their sisters be forgotten.
iammysisterskeeper.substack.com →Every Friday night, 9–11 PM CT on KPFT 90.1 FM in Houston. The Prison Show gives voice to incarcerated Texans, their families, and the advocates walking alongside them. A decades-long institution in Texas prison justice — real voices, real stories, every week.
United Way operates one of the largest community resource networks in the world. Whether you need food, housing, mental health support, or just a place to start — their network and the 211 helpline can connect you.
Statewide advocacy, funding, and coordination connecting Texans to health, education, and financial stability resources across every county. A strong starting point for finding local help in any Texas community.
uwtexas.org →Local United Way serving the Houston metro area with direct community investment, resource navigation, crisis support, and 211 services for families in need.
unitedwayhouston.org →The global network — serving communities in more than 37 countries. Use this to find your local United Way chapter if you are outside Texas or supporting someone in another state.
unitedway.org →Free, confidential, 24/7 service connecting people to local help — housing, food, health, crisis support, and community services. Available in every state. Dial 211 from any phone or search online.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's official shelter finder. Locate emergency housing and shelters near any address in the United States.
hud.gov/findshelter →Know of a resource that should be on this list? I would love to hear about it.
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