Help after prison or jail in District of Columbia
We've found 12 places in District of Columbia for people after prison or jail, mostly in Washington, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with health & medication (6), shelter & housing (5) and jobs & training (4).
Places in District of Columbia
Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA)
District agency that connects people coming home from prison or jail with case management, employment, housing assistance, health, education, and vital records help. Start by filling out the online intake form or calling the office.
DC Shelter Hotline
Round-the-clock number run by the District's Homeless Services Program for anyone in DC who needs a place to sleep tonight or wants outreach sent to someone on the street. It is also the number to call during hypothermia and heat alerts.
DC Public Benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF) – District Direct
Where District residents apply for food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance. Applications go through the District Direct online portal or an Economic Security Administration service center; the Public Benefits Call Center answers questions by phone.
DC DMV Non-Driver Identification Cards
Issues REAL ID non-driver IDs and Limited Purpose IDs for residents without a Social Security number. DC DMV waives the ID fee for recently returning citizens, residents experiencing homelessness, and seniors; use the online Document Verification Guide to see what to bring.
DC Vital Records Division
Issues certified copies of DC birth and death certificates online, by phone, by mail, or in person at automated kiosks. Adults 18 and over can order their own record when their photo ID matches the name on the certificate.
Access HelpLine
24-hour line that links District residents to DBH-certified mental health and substance use providers, arranges emergency psychiatric care, and can dispatch a mobile crisis team to adults or children who cannot travel for help.
Legal Aid DC
Free civil legal help in housing, family law and domestic violence, public benefits, consumer, and immigration matters, plus a Reentry Justice Project. Apply by phone, online, or at walk-in hours at the downtown or Anacostia office.
Central Union Mission
Downtown men's emergency shelter with daily walk-in intake at 3 PM, first come first served, plus free lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 5. No paperwork or appointment needed. A separate family resource center on Bladensburg Road NE helps mothers and families on Thursday mornings.
Miriam's Kitchen
Foggy Bottom organization focused on ending chronic homelessness in DC. Guests can get meals, case management, street outreach, and help moving into permanent housing. Call, email, or come by to connect with a case manager.
Bread for the City
Two centers, in Shaw and Anacostia, where DC residents can pick up a monthly grocery bag, get clothing and toiletries, see a doctor or dentist without insurance, meet with a lawyer on housing, family, immigration, or benefits issues, and join workforce classes.
Community Family Life Services
Nonprofit that works with justice-involved women in DC starting while they are still in prison or jail and for up to five years after release. Services include transitional housing, release planning, employment coaching and placement, case management, family education, and health support.
Friendship Place Welcome Center
Drop-in center on upper Wisconsin Avenue where people experiencing homelessness can get off the street and connect to Friendship Place housing programs, veteran services, youth and young adult services, a health clinic, and the AimHire job placement program.
National lines that work in District of Columbia
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.