Incarceration is a major life event for people who go to prison, but rebuilding your life after a prison sentence is possible. Transitional programs exist to help former inmates with their reentry into society. Transitional housing centers allow former inmates to rebuild their lives in a safe, secure home while also benefiting from additional services. Here are four things that these housing facilities can offer to people reentering society:

1. Addiction Counseling  

Some people are incarcerated due to drug-related offenses, or they struggle with addiction outside of the reason for their prison sentence. Unmanaged addiction can have a detrimental effect on people's lives, sometimes causing them to relapse into unhealthy behaviors that can cause legal problems or affect employment. Reentry transitional housing programs often offer addiction counseling for residents. Addiction counseling can allow residents to work through their issues with drugs, alcohol, and gambling so they can build stable lives.

2. Job Training

A steady job is a necessity for any young, able-bodied person living in society. However, finding employment after incarceration can be difficult. People may have few marketable skills, or they may find that their existing skills are out of date after their time in prison. Many reentry transitional housing programs offer job training to residents. Residents can learn trade skills that they can use to get jobs. Job training programs can also teach attendees supplementary skills, such as how to write resumes and present themselves at interviews.

3. Guidance

Gaining your freedom is an opportunity for a fresh start. However, the opportunities available to you may initially feel overwhelming. Making a plan is the best way to ensure your success. Counselors at transitional housing facilities can offer guidance to residents. Through ongoing conversations, residents may be encouraged to make positive changes in their lives. Counselors can provide guidance in family matters, employment, and personal matters. Regular counseling sessions can help residents learn to transition to life outside prison.

4. Outside Resources

There are many additional resources available to people who have recently gained their freedom from incarceration. Social services can provide financial assistance to low-income people, and a social worker will manage their cases. Many private charities also provide financial, practical, and mental health assistance to formerly incarcerated citizens. Discovering these resources on your own can be challenging, especially if you're occupied with trying to find work. Fortunately, reentry transitional housing centers can help residents get connected to outside resources.