Finding stable housing after incarceration is challenging, but there are resources in North Carolina to help felons secure a place to live.
Whether you need emergency shelter, transitional housing for felons in NC, or felon-friendly apartments, our guide shares essential information on available programs and support services.
Emergency Housing For Felons in NC
If you’ve been released from prison and don’t have a place to stay, call the free 2-1-1 helpline for a referral to a homeless shelter or visit https://nc211.org/.
Shelters aren’t a long-term housing solution but for many felons, they provide the first step on the journey home.
As well as giving you a place to shower and sleep, shelters often provide meals and cater to other basic needs. Shelter staff can also help you connect with social services and community partners able to help you with your housing search.
Get Help Finding Transitional Housing For Felons in NC
Transitional housing for felons in NC bridges the gap between incarceration and independent living. Felons in North Carolina have access to a one-stop transitional housing service thanks to the OurJourney partnership with Crossroads Reentry.
While they don’t directly provide housing, they connect felons returning to North Carolina communities with potential housing options and provide ongoing support throughout the process.
This service is available for anyone who is incarcerated or has been incarcerated in North Carolina who needs to find a place to live in the state. Help with the housing deposit may be available
Here’s how the transitional housing connection process works:
- When you apply for their service, you’re asked to complete a short referral form and select 3 counties you would like to live in.
- Crossroads Reentry will get back to you within 48 hours with a list of potential housing providers.
- You then need to contact the providers listed to find out if they have a vacancy for you – help is available if you don’t have steady access to a phone.
OurJourney also provides a comprehensive reentry resource guide for each county in North Carolina and a handy app listing all the local organizations that can help you with housing, employment, basic needs, and support.
Website: https://www.ourjourney2gether.com/home-plan-assistance
Oxford House NC Transitional Sober Living Program
Felons with a history of substance use may be accepted at one of the 330 Oxford Houses across North Carolina.
Oxford Houses offer an affordable and supportive alternative to traditional halfway houses and 78% of Oxford House residents have been incarcerated, so it’s worth making an application. However, a felony involving violence or a sexual offense may lead to denial.
What is an Oxford House?
Oxford Houses are self-run, sober living homes that provide a stable environment for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
Residents have their own rooms in houses accommodating 6-15 occupants and share responsibilities and expenses.
With no time limits on residency, individuals can stay as long as they need while continuing to maintain sobriety and contribute to the household.
To find Oxford Houses with vacancies in North Carolina go to https://www.oxfordvacancies.com/ and select NC from the drop-down menu. Narrow down your search by choosing a county or city in the state.
Housing For Felons in Charlotte NC
Mecklenburg County Re-Entry Services (RES)
Helping felons make a successful transition from incarceration back into the community RES provides pre-release and post-release support for felons in Charlotte and the wider Mecklenburg County area. The service also accepts sex offenders.
Pre-release support: Home planning, benefits application, medical and behavioral health coordination, and employment planning.
Post-release support: Housing assistance, case management, education and vocational programs, substance abuse and mental health referrals, transportation, and employment assistance.
Learn more: https://www.reentrypartnersofmeck.com/housing/
Housing For Felons in Raleigh NC
Oak City Cares
For former felons looking for housing in Raleigh or other cities throughout Wake County NC, we advise contacting Oak City Cares.
Oak City Cares offers a wide range of services for people experiencing barriers to housing due to their criminal record.
To get help with housing in Raleigh and the wider Wake County area visit the center in person to get a housing assessment and find the best resources for your situation.
- Address: 1430 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 (take the number 21 bus from downtown Raleigh)
- Website: https://oakcitycares.org/services/
Wake Local Reentry Council (LRC)
LRC is a reentry provider in Raleigh serving men and women transitioning back into the community. In addition to housing assistance felons can get help with:
- Basic needs
- Childcare
- Documentation
- Education & vocational skills
- Employment
- Legal services
- Life skills
- Medical care and mental health
- Mentoring
- Substance abuse
- Transportation
- Work supplies
Address: 1830-B Tillery Place, Raleigh, NC 27604
- Call: 919-754-5373
- Website: https://www.wakelrc.org/
Pardoned By Christ Transitional Housing Program
Located in Cary, 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, this transitional housing ministry is dedicated to restoring lives affected by incarceration.
Offering comprehensive reentry support this program has many success stories – you can be one of them!
- Address: P.O. Box 1773, Cary, NC 27512
- Contact: Theo Walker 919-949-0834
- Website: https://www.pardonedbychrist.org/pbc-house
Felon Friendly Apartments Raleigh, NC
It’s not easy to find apartments that accept felons in North Carolina, but if you’re looking in the Raleigh area these second chance apartments may be able to help you.
The Grove Apartments
Located in West Raleigh, these 1 & 2-bedroom apartments offer easy access to major access highways, an outdoor pool, and a pet park. Felonies are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- Address: 3926 Marcom St, Raleigh, NC 27606
- Call: 919-803-0823
- Website: https://www.thegroveraleigh.com/
Perry Place Apartments
Low-income, subsidized 1&2 bedroom apartments in Chapel Hill (40-minute commute to Raleigh). Owned by CASA a North Carolina housing charity, the rental application does not include a criminal background check.
If there are no current vacancies you can apply for the waiting list.
- Address: 923 S Merritt Mill Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Call: 910-791-3354
- Website: https://www.casanc.org/properties/perry-place/
- Application: https://www.casanc.org/wp-content/uploads/RentalApplication.pdf
Hailey Properties
Hailey Properties operates several apartment communities in and around Raleigh. They accept felons on a case-by-case basis. No application fee.
Check their current vacancies: https://haileyproperties.com/properties/
Obtain A Certificate Of Relief
Legal liability is one of the main reasons apartments deny felons because owners are worried other residents will sue them if a felon causes harm.
A North Carolina Certificate of Relief can help address those concerns by removing the landlord’s liability for any harm caused.
Find out if you’re eligible for a Certificate of Relief HERE.
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Alex Graham is a co-founder and manages high-quality content that helps once evicted/ex-felons find a place to call. home. Alex believes even if he can help one person return to a good, wholesome life it is well worth the effort.