Second Chance Housing Resources

Depending on your area and eligibility, you may be able to explore:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (often called Section 8)
   
• Local housing authority programs
   
• Waitlist openings (some areas open lists briefly)
   
• Emergency rental assistance (availability varies)
   
• Community action agencies and nonprofit programs
   

Go to our Government Programs & Assistance page for a plain-language explanation of how to find your local resources and what documents you’ll need.

Housing is easier when your support system is strong. Reentry resources may include:

• housing navigation support
   
• transitional housing referrals
   
• ID and documentation recovery help
   
• employment resources and job placement
   
• legal aid referrals (when applicable)
   
• counseling and community support services
   

Visit our Reentry Support page to find nationwide starting points and how to locate local help by state.

If you keep getting denied, you usually need one of two things:

1. Better targeting (apply only where you can realistically qualify), and
    
2. Stronger documentation (so your application tells a coherent story).
    

Start with our FAQ and Finder pages, then use our guides to build a clean application package: income proof, references, explanation letter, and a realistic move-in plan.

If you need local help, use your state page first, then your city page. These guides typically include:

• local search strategies
   
• common screening patterns in the area
   
• housing authority links
   
• local nonprofit resources
   
• FAQs specific to the location
   

Browse [States] and [Cities] to jump directly to your area.

Be cautious with anyone promising “guaranteed approval” for a fee. Always verify fees, lease terms, and screening requirements directly with the property. If something feels off, pause and double-check before sending money.