Reentry Support
Coming home should be a new beginning, not a struggle faced alone. In partnership with the Banning Church of the Nazarene, Bridging Second Chances is establishing the Bridges Welcome Home Center which is a dedicated reentry hub serving Riverside County’s Pass Area.
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This center will provide returning citizens with compassionate, structured support through case management, mentorship, and essential services such as transportation, clothing, and basic necessities. Each individual will be connected with a peer support specialist who understands the journey and walks alongside them every step of the way.
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Our goal is simple: restore dignity, build stability, and equip individuals with the tools, support, and faith needed to successfully reintegrate into their communities and build a new future.
Reentry Resources
Reentry Network-Riverside
The Community Outreach team will be on-site providing information on cash aid, food assistance, and health coverage. Eligibility technicians can assist with CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal screenings and applications, and connect you to additional resources across Riverside County. Bilingual staff will be available.
Housing Assistance
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness in Riverside County, the Coordinated Entry Program can help. By contacting Riverside County HomeConnect, you’ll be connected with a navigator who can guide you to available housing resources and supportive services to help address your situation.
STOP - Specialized Treatment
for Optimized Programming
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has contracted with Riverside Recovery Resources through a Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming (STOP) to assist parolees in breaking the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and recidivism.
Community Resources & Guides
Everyone deserves a second chance, and no one should have to rebuild alone. Whether you're returning home, supporting a loved one, or looking for help we've gathered trusted resources throughout Riverside County to help you take the next step.
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We’re continuously adding vetted programs and partners to make this a go-to hub for reentry support. Check back often for new services and opportunities.
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The organizations, programs, and services listed in this Resource Center are provided as a community resource to support individuals returning from incarceration and their families. While we strive to include trusted organizations that offer valuable assistance, Bridging Second Chances does not endorse or guarantee the services, availability, or outcomes of any listed provider. Information, programs, contact details, and eligibility requirements may change over time. Although we make every effort to keep this Resource Center accurate and up to date, we encourage you to contact each organization directly to verify current services and availability.
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If you're unsure where to begin or need help finding the right resources, our team is here to help guide you toward the support that best fits your needs.
First, we want you to know this, you are not alone. Every journey begins with a single step, and we're honored to walk alongside you as you build a new future.
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Whether you're returning home after incarceration, preparing for release, or supporting a loved one through the reentry process, this guide is designed to help you navigate the road ahead with confidence and hope.
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Inside, you'll find practical information, helpful checklists, and trusted community resources covering housing, employment, education, healthcare, identification, recovery, family support, and more. Our goal is to connect you with the tools and opportunities you need to rebuild your life one step at a time.
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If you're a family member, friend, mentor, volunteer, or service provider, we hope this guide equips you to encourage and support someone on their journey toward restoration.
At Bridging Second Chances, we believe that your past does not define your future. Every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to begin again.
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Welcome home. Your next chapter starts here.
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Contact BSC now, we’re here to point you in the right direction!
CALL or TEXT: (909) 278-8660
EMAIL: support@bridging2ndchances.org
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EMERGENCY and CRISIS NUMBERS
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Emergency - Police/Fire/Medical: 911
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211 Community Connect: 211 or (800) 464-1123
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Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 339-7233
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Riverside Behavioral Health CARES / Mental Health: (800) 706-7500
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Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center: (951) 686-7273
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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
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Substance Use CARES Line: (800) 499-3008
As your release date gets closer, start the process of gathering your birth certificate, Social Security card, and ID. It is harder to get them on the outside. Try to begin this process at least one year before you are released.
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VERIFICATION of INCARCERATION
To get started, ask for a document that verifies that you are incarcerated. You may need this to get your other documents. It’s also a good idea to gather any transcripts or certificates from classes you’ve taken in prison. You can use those documents to get your birth certificate, Social Security card and ID.
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BIRTH CERTIFICATE and/or MARRIAGE LICENSE (if applicable)
A certified birth certificate is one of the most important documents you'll need as you prepare for life after release. It is often required to obtain a California ID or driver's license, apply for employment, secure housing, enroll in benefits, and verify your identity. A certified copy is an official birth certificate issued by the county where you were born. It includes an official seal and is accepted as proof of identity.
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If married, you may need a marriage certificate upon release to establish legal name changes, apply for joint housing or public benefits, and/or secure joint insurance or tax status.
If divorced, request a divorce decree in Riverside County, contact the Superior Court where the judgment was entered. You can request copies online, by mail, or in person.
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Riverside County Clerk-Recorder online: click here You can also go to usa.gov to find a list of county clerk offices in the state you were born.
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If You Are Currently Incarcerated
If you were born in California, start by speaking with your Correctional Counselor, Case Manager, Reentry Coordinator, or other designated prison staff. Many California correctional facilities can assist individuals in requesting vital records before release as part of the reentry planning process.
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If You Have Already Been Released
If you were unable to obtain your birth certificate before your release, you can request one directly from the County Recorder or County Clerk's Office in the California county where you were born, or through the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records Office. Contact the office before visiting or submitting your application to confirm current requirements, fees, and acceptable identification.
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SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
All US citizens and permanent residents have a Social Security number (SSN). This number is used by the government to keep track of your taxes and Social Security benefits. You will need your Social Security card when you get a job or open a bank account. If you have lost your card, you can apply for a new one. There is no fee for requesting your Social Security card.
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To get your Social Security card while you are in prison request a form from your prison library or your counselor. If released, request a Social Security Card online: click here
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STATE ID or DRIVER's LICENSE
To get a state ID you will likely need:
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Your birth certificate
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Your Social Security card
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Your verification of incarceration or other document that shows your name and current address
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A fee
If you can’t get your ID before you leave, ask your facility if they can offer you an ID verification form or temporary ID card. You will still need to get your state ID once you are out.
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Riverside County DMV: click here
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PASSPORT
Office of the City Clerk - Passport Acceptance Facility
3025 Madison Street, Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 351-6334 | ONLINE INFORMATION: click here​
GREEN CARD
If you are a permanent resident seeking to replace, renew, or check the status of your Green Card, all in-person services are handled directly by federal immigration authorities.
USCIS Application Support Center
3812 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
ONLINE INFORMATION: click here
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KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS SAFE
Once you receive your documents, store them in a safe place. Keeping your vital records organized will make it easier to apply for identification, employment, housing, education, healthcare, and other essential services as you rebuild your life.
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Counselors may arrange halfway house placement just a few days before release, and availability is often limited. Because spots fill quickly, placement cannot always be guaranteed in advance, which can create uncertainty and stress. It can help to bring a list of transitional or reentry housing options to your counselor ahead of time.
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If you need help finding housing, our directory includes reentry organizations that may be able to connect you with transitional housing and support services.
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211 / COMMUNITY CONNECT
Start here for shelter, food, medical and mental health care, legal help, and local referrals throughout Riverside County. Available 24/7.
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Dial 211 or (800) 464-1123
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Affordable housing, rental assistance, housing vouchers, and housing program referrals. Ask about waitlists and eligibility.
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(951) 351-0700
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LIGHTHOUSE ADULT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM
Affordable housing, rental assistance, housing vouchers, and housing program referrals. Ask about waitlists and eligibility.
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(951) 571-3533
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PATH OF LIFE FAMILY SHELTER
Affordable housing, rental assistance, housing vouchers, and housing program referrals. Ask about waitlists and eligibility.
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(951) 275-8755
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PATH OF LIFE MINISTRIES
Emergency shelter intake and homeless services in Riverside. Call ahead; intake windows change.
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(951) 683-4101
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RUHS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - HHOPE / HOUSING
Housing navigation, emergency food and shelter access, supportive housing help, benefits applications, behavioral health, substance use referrals, and employment resources.
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STARTING OVER, INC.
Housing navigation, emergency food and shelter access, supportive housing help, benefits applications, behavioral health, substance use referrals, and employment resources.
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(951) 898-0862
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