The #1 Challenge Returning Citizens Face After Prison: Housing
Every year, thousands of men and women return home from Georgia’s prisons with the hope of starting over. In Metro Atlanta alone, an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 returning citizens reenter society annually. They walk out with determination to rebuild their lives, reconnect with families, and find meaningful work. Yet the first and most urgent challenge they face is also the hardest: finding safe, affordable housing.
Without stable housing, everything else — employment, education, healthcare, and family stability — becomes nearly impossible to achieve. This is why addressing the housing needs of returning citizens is one of the most important steps in reducing recidivism and creating safer, stronger communities.
The Housing Barrier
For many returning citizens, securing a lease in Metro Atlanta is far from simple. Landlords often require background checks and are hesitant to rent to individuals with criminal records. Even when applicants can show steady income, the stigma of incarceration can shut doors before they even open.
Other barriers include:
Financial obstacles. Many return with little to no savings, making deposits and upfront rent payments difficult.
Limited support networks. Some return without strong family or community ties, leaving them without a safety net.
Employment struggles. Even motivated individuals face barriers to finding jobs that pay enough to cover rising rents in Metro Atlanta.
The result? Many returning citizens end up in unstable arrangements — sleeping on couches, in hotels, or worse, returning to homelessness. Without stability, the cycle of incarceration becomes more likely to repeat.
Why Stable Housing Matters for Reentry
Housing is more than just shelter; it is the foundation for a successful reentry. When individuals have a stable address, they can:
Secure employment and meet probation or parole requirements.
Access healthcare, counseling, and community services.
Rebuild family connections in a safe, consistent environment.
Focus on long-term goals instead of daily survival.
Research consistently shows that stable housing reduces recidivism. In other words, when returning citizens have a safe place to live, they are far more likely to become productive, contributing members of the community.
Existing Programs in Georgia
The state of Georgia has recognized the importance of housing in reentry. Through the Department of Community Supervision (DCS), programs such as Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) and Transitional Housing for Offender Reentry (THOR) help place individuals in supportive housing environments.
These programs provide essential support, but they face the same challenge as veteran housing programs: demand far outweighs supply. Beds fill quickly, and not every applicant qualifies. That’s why community providers play such a critical role in bridging the gap.
The Shared Housing Model
Shared housing is emerging as one of the most effective ways to expand capacity quickly and affordably in Metro Atlanta.
By offering shared rooms in well-maintained homes, costs are reduced for residents while still providing a stable and dignified environment. Typical pricing ranges make housing accessible for individuals working entry-level jobs or receiving modest benefits.
Key benefits of this model include:
Affordability. Rent levels are designed to be within reach for individuals just getting back on their feet.
Accountability. Living with others provides a natural structure that can support positive habits.
Community. Shared homes reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
The RISE Program
At EZ Transitions, our reentry program — RISE: Reentry Into Stable Environments — is built around these principles. We provide:
Affordable, fully furnished shared rooms with utilities included.
A safe, structured environment where residents can rebuild with dignity.
Partnerships with probation officers, parole boards, and case managers to ensure wraparound support.
Our mission is to give returning citizens a fair chance at stability by removing the biggest barrier they face on day one: housing.
The #1 challenge facing returning citizens in Metro Atlanta isn’t lack of willpower or potential — it’s lack of housing. Without a safe place to live, the path forward becomes nearly impossible. But with the right housing solutions, reentry can be a powerful story of renewal, stability, and community strength.
👉 If you’re a case manager, probation officer, or family member of someone returning home in Metro Atlanta, reach out to EZ Transitions to learn more about our RISE program and how we can help.
