Empowering Your Transition from Recovery to Self-Sufficiency
Welcome to the Arizona Second Chance & Reentry Resource Page This page was built specifically for individuals in sober living, those transitioning from the justice system, and anyone ready to reclaim their future. We believe that your past is a chapter, not the whole book. Our goal is to provide a roadmap to the essential services—employment, housing, healthcare, and transit—that form the foundation of a stable, successful life in the Grand Canyon State.
This resource page/directory is curated to focus on "Fair Chance" opportunities. We highlight employers who value your skills over your history, landlords who look at your potential rather than your past mistakes, and community organizations dedicated to walking alongside you during your first year of independence.
How to Use This Guide
- Start with the Basics: Ensure you have your ID and a professional resume (see our free resume service below).
- Secure Stability: Use our housing locators to find a safe environment that supports your recovery.
- Build a Career: Don't just look for a job; look for a trade or a company with a "Second Chance" pipeline.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive to keep this directory updated with the most accurate data, programs and funding can change or end without notice. We strongly encourage all users to contact the agency or employer directly to verify current availability, eligibility requirements, and hours of operation before visiting. This website is not affiliated with any government agency and does not guarantee placement or service.
Second Chance Employment Resource Guide
“Building a new life, one opportunity at a time.”
This resource is designed for individuals seeking a fresh start. Whether you are transitioning from a sober living home or re-entering the workforce, these Arizona-based employers and resources actively participate in "Fair Chance" hiring.
🛠️ 1. Construction & Skilled Trades
These companies frequently hire for labor, apprentice, and material handling roles in the Phoenix metro area.
- Industrial Metal Supply Co. | Material Handlers
- Contact: (602) 454-1500 | Visit Website
- Progressive Roofing | Commercial Roofers & Laborers
- Contact: (602) 246-6715 | Careers Page
- K2 Electric | Electricians & Apprentices
- Contact: (602) 233-1400 | Job Openings
- Coloscapes Concrete | Concrete Laborers
- Contact: (480) 418-4700 | Apply Online
- DPR Construction | General Commercial Construction
- Contact: (602) 808-0500 | DPR Careers
- Quail Construction | Traffic Control & General Labor
- Contact: (480) 961-0004 | Website
📦 2. Manufacturing, Warehouse & Logistics
Strong options for those seeking consistent hours and growth.
- UPS | Package Handlers & Drivers
- Contact: 1-888-877-JOBS | UPS Jobs Arizona
- West Pharmaceutical Services | Technicians & Operators (Scottsdale)
- Contact: (480) 905-2300 | West Careers
- PepsiCo | Warehouse & Bottling
- Contact: (602) 233-7000 | PepsiCo Jobs
- Amazon | Fulfillment & Sorting
- Application: Amazon.jobs (Evaluates record based on time since offense)
🛒 3. Retail, Hospitality & Service
Customer-facing roles with established Fair Chance policies.
- CVS Health | Retail & Pharmacy Support
- Apply: CVS Second Chance Pipeline
- Albertsons / Safeway | In-store Shoppers & Warehouse
- Contact: (623) 869-3000 (Phoenix Distribution) | Albertsons Careers
- Motel 6 | Hospitality & Housekeeping
- Contact: (602) 272-5501 (Regional Office)
- Super Star Car Wash | Site Attendants & Service
- Contact: (602) 244-9274 | Super Star Careers
🤝 4. Specialized Placement & Re-entry Support
These organizations offer the tools, clothing, and legal help needed to secure a job.
- ARIZONA@WORK (Maricopa County)
- Provides a "Second Chance" toolkit and specialized job fairs.
- Phone: (602) 542-2460 | Re-entry Services Portal
- St. Joseph the Worker (SJW)
- Offers free bus passes, work boots, uniforms, and resume help.
- Phone: (602) 584-5511 | SJW Website
- Honest Jobs
- The nation's largest job board for people with criminal records.
- Website: HonestJobs.com
- Homeless ID Project
- Essential for those needing a replacement State ID or Social Security card.
- Website: HomelessIDProject.org
💡 Tips for Your Search
- Set Aside Your Record: You can contact the court to request your convictions be "set aside." This shows employers you have taken responsibility for and shown good behavior.
- Free Professional Resumes: If you need a resume that highlights your skills while navigating your history, email: info@helpmeaz.com.
- Stability First: Stay at your first job for at least a year. This builds the "professional equity" needed to move into high-salary industries like Insurance or HVAC.
🏠 Sober Living & Employment Integration
Success in recovery and success in the workplace go hand-in-hand. Use these guidelines to ensure your new job supports your sobriety and follows your house rules.
📋 Sober Living Employment Requirements
Most sober living homes in Arizona have specific rules regarding work. Before accepting an offer, verify the following with your House Manager:
- Curfew Compliance: Ensure your work shift (including commute time) allows you to be home by the house curfew.
- Meeting Attendance: You are typically required to attend a specific number of 12-step or recovery meetings per week. Ensure your work schedule doesn't conflict with "mandatory" house meetings.
- Random Drug Testing: Be prepared to leave work or arrive early if your house requires a random test. Inform your employer (if you feel comfortable) that you have occasional mandatory personal obligations.
- Accountability: Most houses require a copy of your work schedule and your paystubs to prove active employment and income for rent.
- Environment: Avoid jobs in environments that may trigger a relapse (e.g., bars, clubs, or places where heavy substance use is normalized).
🗣️ Questions to Ask a Second-Chance Employer
During an interview, being prepared shows maturity and a commitment to your new life. Use these questions to ensure the company is a good fit for your situation:
-
- "Does this company participate in a Fair Chance or Second Chance hiring program?"
Why ask: This confirms they have a formal policy for hiring individuals with records.
- "Are there specific certifications or training programs (like Apprenticeships) that I can work toward here?"
Why ask: This shows you are looking for a career, not just a paycheck.
- "Does the company offer a consistent schedule?"
Why ask: Crucial for residents who need to attend outpatient treatment (IOP) or mandatory house meetings.
- "Is this position eligible for the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)?"
Why ask: This subtly lets the employer know that hiring you can provide them with a tax credit of up to $2,400.
- "What does the growth path look like for someone starting in this role?"
Why ask: Shows ambition and long-term stability—traits highly valued by second-chance employers.
🏛️ Expanded Legal & Career Resources
- The Refrigeration School (RSI): HVAC, Welding, and Electrical training.
- Visit RSI Phoenix | (602) 607-0024
- Arizona Fair Chance Act: Learn about your rights regarding when an employer can ask about your record via AZLawHelp.
- St. Vincent de Paul "Neighborhood Brigade": Immediate day-work opportunities.
- Work Programs | (602) 266-4673
🚌 5. Transportation & Getting to Work
Lack of a vehicle shouldn't stand between you and a paycheck. Use these local Phoenix and Mesa resources to get mobile.
- Valley Metro (Bus & Light Rail):
- The primary transit system for Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe. Use the Valley Metro Trip Planner to map out your commute.
- Reduced Fare: If you are a veteran or have a disability, you may qualify for a Reduced Fare ID.
- St. Joseph the Worker (Bus Passes):
- If you have a job offer letter, SJW can often provide a 7-day or 31-day bus pass to help you get through your first month of work.
- Grid Bikes & Shared Micro-Mobility:
- For "last-mile" trips (getting from the bus stop to the job site), use the Lime or Bird apps found throughout Phoenix and Mesa.
- Recycled Cycles & Bike Programs:
- Check with local non-profits like Rusty Spoke in Phoenix; they often provide low-cost or volunteer-earned bicycles for those in transition.
- U-Haul / UPS Special Note:
- For seasonal UPS drivers, you can use Lyft or Uber rental programs to access a vehicle specifically for work purposes.
🛡️ 6. Final Steps for Success
- Work Clothes & Boots: If your new job requires steel-toed boots or specific uniforms, reach out to St. Joseph the Worker or Arizona @ Work for vouchers.
- Stay Connected: Use the Lifeline Program to get a free or low-cost smartphone and data plan so you never miss a call from a manager.
🏠 Housing: Second Chances & HUD Resources
Finding a place to live with an eviction or a record is tough, but not impossible. Use these "lenient" properties and housing programs to find your next home.
🛡️ 1. "Second Chance" Apartments (Evictions, Felonies, Low Credit)
These properties and locators specialize in helping individuals who have barriers to traditional renting.
- Professional Locators (Free Help):
- Apartment Options – Specializes in strict criteria/felony placements.
| (480) 838-4822
– 13648 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix | (602) 494-4300
(Mark Stoner) | (480) 580-9928
- Known Lenient Properties:
(Mesa): 4104 E Broadway Rd | (480) 830-5996
(Mesa): 1935 S Sunnyvale Rd | (480) 498-4526
(Tempe/PHX): 2435 S 47th St | (480) 993-2642
(Mesa): 8915 E Guadalupe Rd | (480) 354-1515
(Chandler): 2800 N Arizona Ave | (480) 632-5735
(Glendale): 13610 N 51st Ave | (602) 843-2222
(Gilbert): 230 E Civic Center Dr
🎟️ 2. Section 8 & HUD Housing Lists
If you have a voucher or need low-income assistance, use these area-specific directories to find participating landlords:
- Phoenix & Regional Lists:
- City of Phoenix Section 8 List
- Maricopa County HUD Search
- Suburban Directories:
- Mesa Section 8 Housing
- Tempe Assisted Housing
- Scottsdale HUD Apartments
- Glendale Low-Income Housing
🆘 3. Rapid Rehousing & Emergency Shelter
For those needing immediate placement or help with move-in costs.
- HOM Inc. – Dedicated to Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing for those experiencing instability.
- Save The Family (ARM Program) – Affordable rental movement in Mesa. 125 E University Dr | (480) 898-0228
- City of Phoenix Emergency Utility & Rent Assistance
- Low-Cost Temporary Housing:
- New Windsor Hotel: Extremely affordable at ~$140/week. Located near the 4th Ave Jail. High demand—get on the waiting list. 546 W Adams St, Phoenix | (602) 258-3011
- Sky Harbor Inn: 2323 E Van Buren St, Phoenix.
- Downtown Palms: 333 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix | (602) 622-3846
📍 4. Specialized Contacts
- Marcus Fulton (Various Properties): (480) 233-3252
- Tierra Antigua Realty (Tucson Area): (520) 954-2209
🏠 Advanced Housing & Reentry Resources
If a standard apartment search isn't working, these specialized agencies provide "wraparound" support, including help with application fees, security deposits, and long-term stability.
🏛️ 1. Justice-Involved & Reentry Specific Housing
These organizations specialize in safe housing for individuals with recent felonies or justice involvement.
- Scottsdale Recovery Center (SRC) HVP
- The Program: Partnered with the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADCRR) to provide specialized housing vouchers for those at risk of homelessness.
- Catholic Charities Community Re-Entry
- The Program: Uses a "Housing First" model to provide safe, affordable homes in Central and Northern Arizona so you can focus on your career.
- Arouet Foundation
- The Program: Offers high-level reentry services, including housing stability, career mentorship, and life-skills training for those leaving the AZ prison system.
- Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS)
- The Program: A premier model for transitional and permanent housing. They focus on community-enriched living rather than traditional halfway houses.
📍 2. Specialized "Second Chance" Rental Locators
These locators use private databases of "felon-friendly" and "eviction-friendly" landlords not found on standard apps.
- Prestige Realty Apartment Finder – Highly recommended for those with credit concerns or evictions less than a year old.
- Valley King Properties (Tom) – Specializes in background and credit challenges.
- Aria on Cave Creek – A specific community known for working with diverse backgrounds and non-violent records.
🧠 3. Medical & Behavioral Health Linked Housing
If you have a qualifying health or recovery need, these programs offer the most robust funding and support.
- AHCCCS Housing Program (AHP)
- Managed by HOM, Inc., providing permanent supportive housing for members with complex behavioral health needs or SMI designations.
- Mercy Care (Central Arizona)
- Provides housing assistance for members with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or general mental health needs.
- Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI)
- Offers housing assistance and case management to help clients move from clinical recovery settings to stable, independent living.
💰 4. Immediate Financial & Eviction Prevention
- A New Leaf - Rapid Rehousing – Offers rental subsidies for up to 12 months, including move-in costs and application fees.
- Pima County EELS – Provides direct legal aid to fight evictions if you have a case in the Southern AZ area.
- 2-1-1 Arizona Re-entry Portal – Call 2-1-1 and ask for "Ex-Offender Re-Entry Housing" to access a live database of available beds.
📜 Pro-Tip: The "Certificate of Second Chance"
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-905, you can petition the court for a Certificate of Second Chance.
Why it matters: While it doesn't erase your record, it is a legal document from the court stating you are rehabilitated. Presenting this to a landlord or employer can be a game-changer when applying for a property that is "on the fence" about your background.
This section identifies active resources for transit and work-readiness clothing in the Phoenix/East Valley area.
🚌 Transportation & Transit Assistance
Most free bus pass programs are referral-based. This means you must be a client of the agency or provide proof of a job interview or offer letter to qualify.
📍 1. Workforce & Employment Transit (Most Reliable)
These agencies provide transit help specifically for those seeking or starting employment.
- St. Joseph the Worker (SJW): Provides 7-day and 31-day passes. Requirement: Must show a job offer letter or proof of employment.
- Phoenix Office: 382 E Palm Ln #150, Phoenix | (602) 584-5511
- Mesa Office: 1833 W Main St #128, Mesa | (480) 417-5735
- ARIZONA@WORK (City of Phoenix): Provides transit assistance for those enrolled in workforce training or job search programs.
- North: 9801 N 7th St | (602) 861-0208
- South: 4635 S Central Ave | (602) 771-0630
- West: 3406 N 51st Ave | (623) 245-6200
🆘 2. Specialized & Identity-Based Support
Agencies with specific transit funding for veterans, youth, and health-related needs.
- US VETS: Transit support for veterans in transition. 3507 N Central Ave #302 | (602) 717-6682
- Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS): Bus passes for shelter residents and clients. 230 S 12th Ave | (602) 256-6945
- Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI): Transit help for those in behavioral health or recovery programs. 2770 E Van Buren St | (877) 931-9142
- one-n-ten: Transit resources for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 11–24). 1101 N Central Ave #202 | (602) 400-2601
🏛️ 3. City & Community Resources
- FindHelp.org: Enter your zip code to find a live list of local charities currently issuing bus vouchers.
- Neighborhood Ministries: Assistance for low-income residents in Central Phoenix. 1918 W Van Buren St | (602) 252-5225
- Wildfire AZ: Provides transit and utility assistance through community action partners. 340 E Palm Ln #315 | (602) 604-0640
👔 Interview & Work Clothing
- Dress for Success Phoenix: Provides professional attire and career coaching for women.
- Location: 3110 N Central Ave, Ste D-200 | (602) 489-7397
- St. Joseph the Worker (SJW): Beyond bus passes, they provide vouchers for steel-toed boots, non-slip shoes, and uniforms required for new jobs.
- St. Vincent de Paul: Local thrift stores often provide clothing vouchers for those with a referral from a social worker or local parish.
💡 Pro-Tip: The "Reduced Fare" ID
If you have a disability or are low-income, apply for the Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID. This cuts your transit costs in half ($2.00 for a day pass vs. $4.00).
- Apply at: Valley Metro Mobility Center | (602) 253-5000
🦷 Free & Affordable Dental Care in Arizona
Maintaining oral health is a vital part of your recovery and overall well-being. If you are uninsured or on a limited income, the following Arizona providers offer free, sliding-scale, or low-cost dental services.
🚨 Emergency Dental Services (Walk-in & Urgent Care)
If you are in pain, these clinics offer emergency interventions. Pro-Tip: Show up at least 30 minutes before opening, as emergency slots are often first-come, first-served.
- Adelante Healthcare Dental: 1705 W Main St, Mesa | (480) 964-2273
- Valleywise Community Health: 811 S Hamilton St, Chandler | (480) 344-6100
- New Horizon Dental Center: 6200 S McClintock Dr #111, Tempe | (520) 376-2310
- Brighter Way Dental Center: Specialized care for veterans and those experiencing homelessness. Visit Website
🏥 Community Clinics & Sliding Fee Scales
These clinics adjust their pricing based on your income (Sliding Fee Scale). Use the AZDHS Sliding Fee Directory to find a location near you.
- Native Health of Phoenix: Providing comprehensive care with a unique transportation benefit (15-mile radius pickup with 24-hour notice).
- Location: 4041 N Central Ave, Bldg C, Phoenix | (602) 279-5262
- Neighborhood Christian Clinic: Compassionate, low-cost care located at 19th Ave and Fillmore. Visit Website
- Mountain Park Health Center: Multiple locations across the Valley offering integrated dental and medical care.
🎓 University Dental Schools (High-Quality, Low-Cost)
Receive care from supervised dental students using the latest technology at a fraction of the cost of private clinics.
- Midwestern University Dental Institute: Also offers veterinary services at this campus.
- Location: 5855 W Utopia Rd, Glendale | (623) 537-6000
- A.T. Still University (ASDOH): Specialized dental clinic serving the East Valley.
- Location: 5855 E Still Cir, Mesa | (480) 248-8100
❤️ Specialized Volunteer & Charity Events
- Mission of Mercy: Periodically hosts the AZ Mission of Mercy (AZMOM) event—a massive, two-day free dental clinic at State Farm Stadium. Check AZMOM.org for upcoming dates.
- Tzu Chi Foundation (Phoenix Service Center): A global non-profit providing medical and dental outreach.
- Location: 2145 W Elliot Rd, Chandler | Appts/Sign-up: (480) 748-6971
- Dental Heart: Visit DentalHeart.com for a calendar of mobile dental events and free screenings.
📣 Advocacy: Have Your Voice Heard
The Arizona Oral Health Coalition (AZOHC) is looking for individuals on AHCCCS or the uninsured to share their experiences. Your feedback helps improve dental access for all Arizonans.
- Contact: NHW Community Health Center at (602) 279-5262 x 34012 to participate in the latest oral health survey.
Additional High-Impact Resources
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Workforce Development): Beyond basic needs, they offer a "Neighborhood Brigade" for immediate day-labor and a workforce program that helps with long-term career placement. Link
- A New Leaf (Asset Building): They offer "Individual Development Accounts" (IDAs) which are matched savings accounts. If a resident saves money for a house or education, the agency may match those funds 3-to-1 or more. Link
- Maricopa County Financial Literacy Programs: Many local libraries and the Maricopa County Human Services Dept offer free classes on budgeting—essential for someone transitioning from a house-managed budget to independent living.