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Halfway Houses & Transitional Housing

Find halfway houses, residential reentry centers, and transitional housing in 50 major US cities. Free and low-cost options for people reentering society.

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Quick Answer

To find a halfway house near you: Call 211 for local referrals, or contact SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7). If completing a federal sentence, your BOP case manager arranges placement. For state sentences, contact your parole officer.

Costs range from free (federal/state programs, faith-based) to $450-$1,200/month (private pay). Oxford Houses average $400-$600/month.

What Is a Halfway House?

A halfway house is a structured residential facility that helps people transition from incarceration back into the community, or supports recovery from substance abuse. The term “halfway” reflects the facility’s role as a midpoint between institutional life and full independence.

Halfway houses go by many names: Residential Reentry Centers (the federal term), Community Corrections Centers, transitional housing, recovery residences, or sober living homes. While the specifics vary, all share a common goal — providing a stable, structured environment where residents can find employment, attend treatment, and rebuild their lives.

Types of Halfway Houses

TypeWho It ServesCostHow to Apply
Federal BOP (RRC)People completing federal sentencesFreeBOP case manager
State-FundedPeople completing state sentencesFreeParole officer
Private PayAnyone (self-referral accepted)$450-$1,200/moContact directly
Faith-BasedAnyone (may include religious programming)Free/LowContact directly
Oxford HousesAnyone in recovery (must maintain sobriety)$400-$600/mooxfordhouse.org

Halfway House Guides by City (50 Cities)

Click a city for detailed information including types available, costs, rules, reentry programs, and how to apply.

Alabama

Birmingham

Arizona

PhoenixTucson

California

Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSan FranciscoSan Jose

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Hartford

District of Columbia

Washington

Florida

JacksonvilleMiamiOrlandoTampa

Georgia

Atlanta

Illinois

Chicago

Indiana

Indianapolis

Kentucky

Louisville

Louisiana

New Orleans

Maryland

Baltimore

Massachusetts

Boston

Michigan

Detroit

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Missouri

Kansas CitySt Louis

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Mexico

Albuquerque

New York

BuffaloNew York

North Carolina

CharlotteRaleigh

Ohio

CincinnatiClevelandColumbus

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Oregon

Portland

Pennsylvania

PhiladelphiaPittsburgh

Rhode Island

Providence

Tennessee

MemphisNashville

Texas

AustinDallasHoustonSan Antonio

Utah

Salt Lake City

Virginia

Richmond

Washington

Seattle

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

More Housing Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a halfway house?
A halfway house (also called a Residential Reentry Center or transitional housing) is a structured living facility for people transitioning from incarceration back into the community, or for those recovering from substance abuse. Residents live in a supervised environment with rules like curfews, drug testing, and employment requirements while rebuilding their lives.
How much does a halfway house cost?
Costs vary widely. Federal BOP Residential Reentry Centers are free for those completing federal sentences. State-funded programs are typically free. Private pay halfway houses generally cost $450-$1,200/month depending on location. Oxford Houses cost $400-$600/month (shared expenses). Faith-based programs are often free.
How do I find a halfway house near me?
Start by calling 211 for local referrals. If you are completing a federal sentence, your BOP case manager will arrange placement. For state sentences, contact your parole officer. You can also call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for substance abuse treatment referrals, or visit oxfordhouse.org to find Oxford Houses in your area.
What are the rules at a halfway house?
Common rules include: curfews (typically 10 PM weekdays, midnight weekends), random drug and alcohol testing, mandatory employment or job search, required attendance at recovery meetings (usually 3/week), maintaining a clean living space, and no overnight guests. Rules vary by facility.
How long can you stay in a halfway house?
Typical stays range from 30 to 180 days. Federal BOP placements are usually 90-180 days. State programs vary widely. Oxford Houses have no time limit — you can stay as long as you remain sober, pay your share, and follow house rules. Private facilities may have specific program lengths.
What is the difference between a halfway house and a sober living home?
A halfway house typically serves people transitioning from incarceration (often mandated by the corrections system) and may have staff oversight. Sober living homes are primarily for people in addiction recovery and are usually voluntary. Oxford Houses combine elements of both — they are sober living homes but also serve many people who were recently incarcerated. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Can I choose which halfway house I go to?
If you are placed through the federal BOP or state DOC, you generally cannot choose your facility — your case manager or parole officer makes the placement. However, you can request a specific area and your preferences may be considered. For private or Oxford Houses, you can apply directly to the facility of your choice.
What happens if you break the rules at a halfway house?
Consequences vary by facility and the severity of the violation. Minor infractions (late for curfew, missing a chore) may result in warnings or extra duties. Serious violations like drug or alcohol use typically result in immediate discharge. For those placed by the corrections system, getting kicked out can lead to being sent back to prison or jail.

Key Resources

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Halfway house availability, rules, costs, and admission criteria change frequently. Always contact facilities directly to confirm current policies and availability. For help finding transitional housing, call 211 or the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-4357.