According to the National Institute of Justice, approximately 68% of released prisoners are re-arrested within three years. This statistic highlights the significant challenges felons face when reintegrating into society. To successfully rebuild their lives, felons must adopt effective survival strategies, including securing employment, housing, and understanding their legal rights. This article provides comprehensive guidance on these crucial aspects, ensuring that felons have the tools and knowledge needed to thrive post-incarceration.

Understanding the Challenges

Felons face numerous challenges post-incarceration. These include societal stigma and discrimination, legal and regulatory barriers, and psychological impacts such as low self-esteem and anxiety. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for successful reintegration into society.

Securing Employment

Employment is a cornerstone of successful reintegration. It provides financial stability, improves psychological well-being, and fosters a sense of purpose. Here’s how felons can secure employment:

1. Importance of Employment for Survival

Employment is crucial for financial stability, psychological well-being, and reintegration into society. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employed individuals are less likely to re-offend.

2. Finding Felon-Friendly Jobs

• Industries More Likely to Hire Felons Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and hospitality are known for hiring felons. For example, construction companies often value skills over background.
• Specific Companies Known for Hiring Felons Companies like Walmart, Home Depot, and PepsiCo have policies in place to hire felons.
• Temporary Agencies and Staffing Firms Agencies like Kelly Services and Manpower specialize in placing felons in temporary jobs that can lead to permanent positions.

3. Job Search Strategies

• Networking and Leveraging Personal Connections Building a network through friends, family, and community organizations can open doors to job opportunities.
• Utilizing Online Job Boards and Resources Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and the National HIRE Network list felon-friendly jobs.
• Preparing a Strong Resume and Cover Letter Highlighting skills, experience, and rehabilitation efforts can make a felon stand out to employers.

4. Overcoming Employment Barriers

• Expungement and Sealing of Records Many states allow for the expungement or sealing of criminal records, making it easier to find employment.
• Obtaining Certificates of Rehabilitation Certificates of rehabilitation can demonstrate a felon’s commitment to reintegration.
• Interview Tips and Handling Disclosure of Felony Records Being honest and focusing on rehabilitation efforts can help during interviews. Practice common interview questions and rehearse responses.

Securing Housing

Stable housing is essential for survival and rebuilding life after incarceration. It provides safety and a foundation for starting anew.

Importance of Stable Housing for Survival

Stable housing ensures safety and security, which are critical for rebuilding a stable life. According to a study by the Urban Institute, stable housing reduces recidivism.

Finding Felon-Friendly Apartments

• Understanding Housing Laws and Rights Familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on criminal history in some cases.
• Organizations and Programs that Assist with Housing Organizations like the Fortune Society and the National Reentry Resource Center provide housing assistance to felons.

Housing Search Strategies

• Online Resources and Databases Websites like Craigslist and Zillow can be useful for finding felon-friendly housing.
• Transitional Housing Programs Programs such as halfway houses provide temporary housing and support.
• Working with Housing Authorities and Non-Profits Local housing authorities and non-profits can offer assistance and resources for finding stable housing.

Overcoming Housing Barriers

• Legal Assistance and Advocacy Legal aid organizations can help felons understand and assert their housing rights.
• Building a Strong Rental Application Include letters of recommendation and proof of income to strengthen rental applications.
• Tips for Negotiating with Landlords Be honest about your background and emphasize your commitment to stability and responsibility.

Understanding Voting Rights

Voting rights are a critical aspect of civic engagement and reintegration. Knowing and restoring these rights can empower felons and influence policies affecting them.

Importance of Voting Rights for Civic Engagement

Voting allows felons to participate in democracy and have a say in policies that impact their lives. According to The Sentencing Project, restoring voting rights can enhance community ties.

State-Specific Voting Laws for Felons

Voting rights for felons vary by state. Some states automatically restore voting rights after release, while others require specific actions.

• Overview of Voting Rights Restoration by State For example, in Florida, felons must pay all fines and complete probation before regaining the right to vote.
• How to Find State-Specific Information Websites like the ACLU and local election boards provide detailed information on state-specific voting laws.

Steps to Restore Voting Rights

• Process of Re-Enfranchisement Each state has different procedures for restoring voting rights. Typically, it involves completing probation or parole and applying for restoration.
• Resources and Organizations that Can Help Organizations like the League of Women Voters and the Brennan Center for Justice offer assistance with voting rights restoration.

Accessing Grants and Financial Assistance

Financial assistance can support basic needs and fund education or training, crucial for felons’ survival and reintegration.

Importance of Financial Assistance for Survival

Grants and financial assistance provide the necessary support for felons to meet basic needs and pursue education or vocational training.

Types of Grants Available to Felons

• Government Grants The Federal Pell Grant program offers financial aid for education to felons who meet specific criteria.
• Non-Profit and Private Organization Grants Organizations like Help for Felons and the Second Chance Fund provide grants for various needs.
• Educational Grants and Scholarships Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for felons.

Applying for Grants

• Identifying Appropriate Grants Research grants that match your needs and eligibility criteria. Websites like Grants.gov can be useful.
• Preparing a Strong Application Include detailed personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of eligibility.
• Tips for Successful Grant Writing Clearly outline your goals, needs, and how the grant will help you achieve them.

Building a Support Network

A strong support network is vital for emotional and practical support during reintegration.

Importance of a Support Network

A support network provides emotional support, practical assistance, and mentorship, all crucial for a successful reentry.

Finding Support Groups and Mentorship Programs

• Local and Online Support Groups Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer support groups for felons.
• Community Organizations and Services Community centers and non-profits often provide support services and mentorship programs.

Leveraging Family and Friends

• Rebuilding Relationships Reconnecting with family and friends can provide emotional and practical support.
• Gaining Support and Trust Demonstrating commitment to change and responsibility can help rebuild trust.

Final thoughts

Survival strategies for felons involve securing employment, housing, and understanding legal rights. By adopting these strategies, felons can overcome the significant challenges they face and build a stable, successful life. Encouragement to take proactive steps and leverage available resources is crucial for resilience and reintegration.