Halfway Houses in Philadelphia, PA
Free & low-cost transitional housing options for people reentering society in Philadelphia, PA
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Quick Answer
The Philadelphia metro area has approximately 40 halfway houses and transitional housing facilities. Free options are available through federal BOP facilities, Pennsylvania corrections programs, and faith-based organizations. Private pay facilities typically charge $450–$950/month. Call 211 or SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) to find available beds near you.
Philadelphia, PA Halfway Houses at a Glance
~40
Facilities
Free–$950
Monthly Cost
30–180
Days (Typical Stay)
5
Types Available
What Is a Halfway House?
A halfway house (also called a Residential Reentry Center or transitional housing) is a structured living environment for people transitioning from incarceration back into the community, or for those in recovery from substance abuse. Halfway houses provide a stable place to live while residents find employment, attend treatment programs, and rebuild their lives.
In Philadelphia, halfway houses range from federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Residential Reentry Centers to state-funded transitional programs, private pay facilities, faith-based homes, and Oxford Houses. Each type has different rules, costs, and admission criteria.
Types of Halfway Houses in Philadelphia
| Type | Description | Cost | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal BOP | Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) for those completing federal sentences. Placement arranged by BOP case managers. | Free | Yes |
| State-Funded | Pennsylvania corrections-funded transitional housing. Placement through parole/probation officers. | Free | Yes |
| Private Pay | Privately operated facilities. Self-referral accepted. Some accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees. | $450–$950/mo | Yes |
| Faith-Based | Operated by churches and religious organizations. Often include spiritual programming. Usually free or low cost. | Free/Low | Yes |
| Oxford Houses | Democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. No time limit on stay. | $400–$600/mo | Yes |
What to Expect: Rules & Requirements
Rules vary by facility, but here are the typical requirements at halfway houses in Philadelphia:
- Curfew
- 10 PM weeknights, midnight weekends
- Drug Testing
- Random urine screens 2-3 times per month
- Employment Requirement
- Must seek employment within 14 days of admission
- Meetings Requirement
- Minimum 3 recovery meetings per week
- Additional Rules
- Must maintain personal hygiene and living space
- Mandatory house meetings weekly
- No violence or threatening behavior
- Typical Stay Duration
- 30–180 days. Federal BOP placements are typically 90–180 days. State programs vary. Oxford Houses have no time limit as long as you remain sober and pay your share.
Cost Breakdown
Free options: Federal BOP Residential Reentry Centers are free for those completing federal sentences. Pennsylvania also funds transitional housing programs at no cost for qualifying individuals. Many faith-based organizations provide free beds.
Private pay: Private halfway houses in Philadelphia typically charge $450–$950/month. This usually includes a shared room, meals, and access to programming. Some facilities accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees.
Oxford Houses: $400–$600/month (shared expenses among all residents). No staff — residents govern themselves. Typically the most affordable option after free programs.
How to Find & Apply for a Halfway House in Philadelphia
- 1.
Federal BOP Placement
If you are completing a federal sentence, your BOP case manager will arrange placement at a Residential Reentry Center (RRC). You do not need to find one yourself — this is part of your release plan.
- 2.
State DOC / Parole Office
Contact your Pennsylvania parole or probation officer for state-funded transitional housing options. They can refer you to contracted providers in the Philadelphia area.
- 3.
Call 211
Dial 211 for free referrals to halfway houses, shelters, and transitional housing in Philadelphia. Available 24/7 in most areas.
- 4.
SAMHSA Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7) for referrals to substance abuse treatment and transitional housing programs. SAMHSA also maintains an online treatment locator.
- 5.
Oxford House Directory
Visit oxfordhouse.org to find Oxford Houses in Philadelphia. These self-supporting sober living homes accept applications directly — no referral needed.
Oxford Houses in Philadelphia
Oxford Houses are a unique model of sober living — they are democratically run by residents, self-supporting (no government funding), and have no time limit on stay. Each house holds 6–15 residents who share expenses equally. The only requirement is maintaining sobriety — one positive drug or alcohol test means immediate expulsion (voted on by residents).
To apply, visit oxfordhouse.org and search for houses in Philadelphia. You can also call the Oxford House World Services office at 1-800-689-6411. Typical cost is $400–$600/month for a shared room, which includes all utilities.
Pennsylvania Halfway House Regulation
- Licensing Required?
- Yes
- Regulatory Body
- Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
- Details
- Pennsylvania licenses halfway houses and recovery houses through DDAP. Act 59 established a voluntary certification program for recovery houses.
Reentry Programs in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Reentry Coalition coordinates services across multiple agencies. The city's Office of Reentry Partnerships connects returning citizens with housing, employment, and treatment. JEVS Human Services and Resources for Human Development operate transitional housing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many halfway houses are in Philadelphia?
Are there free halfway houses in Philadelphia?
What is the cost of a halfway house in Philadelphia?
How do I find a halfway house in Philadelphia?
Related Resources
- Second Chance Apartments in Philadelphia, PAFull housing guide
- Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Philadelphia, PARenting after an eviction
- Sober Living Homes GuideNational guide
- Jobs & EmploymentCompanies that hire people with records
- SNAP Benefits in PennsylvaniaFood assistance
- Get Your ID in PennsylvaniaState ID, birth certificate, SSN
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