Reentry Resources
Everything you need to succeed after release - from first steps to employment.
Your First Steps Checklist
Concrete actions to take in your first 3 days. San Diego-specific locations and resources to get you started immediately.
Get Your California ID
📍 MTS Transit Store (1255 Imperial Ave) or local DMV
- →Bring discharge papers or DPO letter
- →Birth certificate (request from Vital Records if needed)
- →Social Security card or proof
- →CA ID fee: ~$30 (ask about fee waiver with DPO letter)
💡 Reentry Tip: Ask probation for fee waiver letter - many DMVs honor it
Get PRONTO Card for Transit
📍 Any Trolley station or MTS Transit Store
- →One-time $2 card purchase
- →Load with cash, card, or benefits
- →Register at ridepronto.com for lost card protection
- →Discounted fares available for low-income (ORCA)
💡 Reentry Tip: Save $40+/month vs. Uber - essential for job hunting
Apply for Food Assistance (CalFresh)
📍 DHHS offices or online at GetCalFresh.org
- →Up to $281/month for groceries
- →Apply same day as release (emergency 3-day approval)
- →Need: CA ID, proof of address, income docs
- →Use EBT card at most stores & farmers markets
💡 Reentry Tip: Emergency CalFresh approved in 3 days if homeless or $0 income
Get a Phone Number (619 or 858)
📍 Free apps or prepaid stores
- →Google Voice: Free 619/858 number (needs wifi)
- →TextNow: Free calling/texting with ads
- →Metro/Cricket: $30-40/month prepaid plans
- →Library computers have free wifi for setup
💡 Reentry Tip: Employers NEED to call you - get this done Day 1
Find Temporary Housing
📍 Transitional housing & emergency shelters
- →Call 211 for shelter bed availability (24/7)
- →Rachel's Women Center (women only, downtown)
- →Father Joe's Villages (men/women/families)
- →Transitional housing: PATH, Veteran programs, Alpha Project
💡 Reentry Tip: Stable address = easier job search. Use shelter address if needed.
Apply for Your First Job or Day Labor
📍 Dolly, Instacart, or temp agencies
- →Day labor: Cash same-day at Labor Ready, PeopleReady
- →Dolly: Moving gigs (need truck access or partner up)
- →Instacart/DoorDash: Grocery delivery (bike/car)
- →Second-chance employers: NK Towing, Vons, FedEx (see below)
💡 Reentry Tip: Day labor = immediate income while applying for real jobs
⏱️ Your 72-Hour Priority Timeline
- ✓Get CA ID paperwork started
- ✓Get phone number (Google Voice if no money)
- ✓Call 211 for shelter bed
- ✓Apply for emergency CalFresh
- ✓Get PRONTO card for transit
- ✓Visit library for wifi/computer access
- ✓Register for day labor agencies
- ✓Check in with probation officer
- ✓Apply to 5-10 second-chance employers
- ✓Show up at day labor sites (6am-7am)
- ✓Connect with reentry services (Father Joe's, PATH)
- ✓Get CalFresh EBT card (if approved)
🚨 Emergency Resources (24/7)
Companies Hiring Formerly Incarcerated
Verified employers in San Diego who give real second chances. Updated January 2026.
NK Towing
📍 Vista / North County San Diego
Industry: Roadside Assistance & Towing
Background-friendly. Entry-level tow truck operator and roadside tech positions. Will train.
Vons / Albertsons
📍 Multiple locations (Chula Vista, Euclid Ave, etc.)
Industry: Grocery / Retail
Stocker, cashier, bakery, deli positions. Case-by-case background review (not auto-reject).
Second Chance Beer Co.
📍 San Diego (local brewery)
Industry: Manufacturing / Sales
Founded TO hire formerly incarcerated. Brewery operations, packaging, delivery, sales.
FedEx / UPS
📍 Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa hubs
Industry: Logistics / Warehouse
Package handlers, sorters, drivers (CDL). Background-friendly after 7-10 years. Immediate openings.
Ralphs / Food 4 Less
📍 Euclid Ave, Mission Valley, etc.
Industry: Grocery / Retail
Similar to Vons - stocker, cashier, warehouse. Case-by-case background check.
Dolly (App-Based Moving)
📍 San Diego-wide (gig work)
Industry: Day Labor / Delivery
Background check required but more flexible. Moving help, furniture delivery. Cash tips daily.
Instacart & Grocery Delivery
📍 San Diego-wide (gig work)
Industry: Gig / Delivery
Grocery shopping + delivery. Background check but more flexible for older convictions. Bike ok for some.
San Diego Temp Agencies
📍 Downtown, Mission Valley
Industry: Temp / Contract Work
Labor Ready, PeopleReady, Remedy Staffing. Warehouse, construction, events. Same-day pay options.
💼 Tips for Getting Hired
Be Honest About Your Background
Don't lie on applications. Explain what you learned and how you've changed. Honesty builds trust.
Show Up Early & Dress Clean
First impressions matter. Arrive 10 minutes early. Wear clean, simple clothes (no need for suit).
Ask Questions About the Job
Show interest by asking about training, schedule, advancement. Employers want engaged workers.
⚡ Need Money TODAY? Day Labor Options
Walk-In Day Labor
- →Labor Ready (Downtown): 6am sign-up, same-day cash
- →PeopleReady (Mission Valley): Construction, warehouse, events
- →Show up early (6-7am) for best jobs
- →Bring ID, steel-toe boots if you have them
Same-Day Gig Apps
- →Dolly: Moving help ($15-25/hr + tips)
- →TaskRabbit: Handyman, assembly, cleaning
- →Wonolo: Warehouse shifts posted daily
- →Background checks vary by platform
💡 Day labor = Immediate income while you apply to full-time jobs. Don't wait - start earning TODAY.