Practical guide
The first 72 hours
A practical sequence for a safe arrival, a working phone, care connections, and the next appointment.
The practical pages
One next step.
Then another.
You may be preparing to leave prison, arriving home, or helping someone you love. Start with what must happen today. A plan can be small and still be useful.
Need somewhere to sleep tonight in the U.S.? Call 211 or find your local 211 service. Ask about same-day intake and a backup option. In an immediate emergency, contact local emergency services.
Practical guide
Find work after release
Turn real responsibilities into résumé evidence, prepare for applications, and compare a job with your actual schedule.
Practical guide
Make a housing plan
Ask useful questions about intake, screening, costs, and transport before spending money or traveling.
Practical guide
Documents and benefit applications
Untangle missing IDs, record each requirement, and leave an application with a clear next step.
Practical guide
Rebuild trust and support
Make manageable agreements with family, friends, and chosen support people while respecting boundaries.
Two tools you can use immediately
Your release planner
Choose the tasks that matter, write a call plan, and print a short checklist. An optional browser save keeps it on this device. You can clear it at any time.
Make my plan ↗Your skills on paper
Build a résumé using paid work, training, volunteering, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Prompts help you write accurate examples without inventing credentials.
Build my CV ↗For a supporter
Ask what help is welcome before taking over. A ride, one phone call, help reading a form, or a quiet place to prepare for an interview can be more useful than a long list of advice. Agree who owns each next step and when you will check in.
Outside the United States? The resource desk also includes services in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Rules and service areas differ by country; use local sources before making plans.