Top 3 Resources For Inmates After Federal Prison (2025)
- thatbopguy
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
When your loved one comes home from prison, the clock starts ticking fast.
Bills, rent, health care, family obligations, parole check-ins, job hunting — all while adjusting to a world that’s moved on without you. And for many of our loved ones, it can feel like there’s no roadmap, just pressure and survival mode.
ℹ️ RELATED: 7 Ways to Support Someone in Prison
They try to do the right thing, but when the pressures builds they almost always go back to doing the same things that out them in prison. It's a constant battle fighting to catch up. So we put together a list of the top 11 FREE resources for inmates fresh out of jail.
But here's the truth: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are real resources, some run by the government, others by nonprofits, that exist specifically to help returning citizens get on their feet.
We’ve talked to dozens of families, mentors, and case workers. What follows is a curated breakdown of some of the most valuable post-release resources out there. These aren’t just Google links — they’re tools that have actually helped people rebuild.
We’re only sharing 4 of 11 post-release tools below. To access the full list you must join our free discord. We also have two on it that inmates can start using before release to get set up for success. These range include support for mental health, housing, small business, healthcare and more.
What Are Post-Release Resources?
Post-release resources are tools, programs, and services designed to support individuals who are reentering society after incarceration. These resources are meant to reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and make reentry successful — not just survivable.
They can include:
Employment programs that help people find jobs despite criminal records
Mental health and substance abuse services to support emotional healing
Transitional housing options to prevent homelessness after release
Healthcare access so no one goes without basic needs
Education and financial aid opportunities to create long-term change
Our list of resources include all of these but also we include healthcare and credit help. Each puritan had been verified to benefit inmates nationwide.
Many of these resources are underused because people don’t know they exist, or they assume they’re not eligible. That’s why making this information accessible is part of our mission at Fed Family Support.
ℹ️ READ: First Step Act Explained (simply)
Why people Struggle to Find Help after release
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Why isn’t there a guide for people coming home from prison?”
The answer? There should be — but the system isn’t built for smooth transitions. Returning citizens face several barriers like lack of awareness. Most reentry support isn’t explained in prison. Pride or fear of judgment is real and often asking for help can feel shameful after incarceration
Complex application processes: Many programs require forms, documents, or ID that people don’t have yet
That’s why communities like ours are stepping up. We help each other navigate what the system doesn’t.
1. Behavioral Health Network (BHN)
If your loved one is coming home dealing with addiction, trauma, or mental health issues — BHN is a game-changer.
Founded by the government decades ago, BHN connects returning citizens with:
Mental health care
Substance abuse treatment
Transportation to appointments
📍 Website: https://www.bhninc.org/
BOP Inmate Tracker
What if you never had to visit the bop.gov website again?What if you could get the newest bop & prison updates and track the status of your loved one all in one place?
We have created the ONLY inmate Tracker in the world to automatically send you alerts. Know more sooner with our BOP Inmate Tracker Tool. Download the Discord app, join and start Tracking.
Limited time offer for NEW members
2. ExOffender . org
This is one of the oldest reentry websites still operating, and it’s full of tools for people with records. They focus on employment, housing, and education.
Families often overlook this one — but it’s helped many formerly incarcerated people get housing leads and real jobs without the judgment.
Education & GED prep
Housing listings
Job boards made for ex-offenders
📍 Website: https://exoffender.org/
3. Community Reentry Network
This faith based network is primarily advocated by the BOP to inmates within trulincs. This excellent resource can help with many things from food vouchers to mental health. Here is a list of ways it can help.
Legal
Food
Counseling
Housing
Mental Health
Financial assistance
📍 Website: https://crn.reentry.gov/crn/s/
Why These Resources Matter
A lot of our loved ones struggle not because they’re lazy — but because they’ve never been shown the resources that exist to catch them before they fall. Let’s be honest — pride plays a huge role. Asking for help after doing time can feel like weakness.
This blog is your cheat sheet. Whether you’re coming home or helping someone who is, don’t skip these tools.
Want the Full List?
We’ve put together a full, updated list of 11 must-know post-release resources — including programs for housing, healthcare, grants, business funding, and mental health. We call it the Resource Vault because they're is tons of value.
Get the full list + access to support discussions from people who’ve used them — only inside our private community here
🛠️ Join the Fed Family Support Discord