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Stylish Man Walking

The First 24-48 Hours After Release

A survival checklist for your first two days out. Calm. Clear. No fluff.

You made it out. Now focus on these steps — in order. Everything else can wait.

📞 SAVE THESE NUMBERS

211 — Housing, food, local services

988 — Mental health crisis / suicide prevention

SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357 — Substance abuse help (24/7)

Your PO's number: _______________ — Write it here

The 5 Non-Negotiables

If you only do 5 things in the first 48 hours, do these:

1. Get to a safe place

  • Approved housing, family member, or shelter

  • Do not wander or return to old neighborhoods

2. Contact your parole/probation officer

  • Within the required timeframe (usually 24-48 hours)

  • Missing this can trigger a warrant — don't risk it

3. Secure food and water

  • Food bank, shelter meal, dollar store basics

  • Don't burn your gate money — make it last

4. Get a phone number

  • Government phone (Lifeline), prepaid phone, or Google Voice

  • You need a number for PO, jobs, and housing

5. Avoid old people, old places, old habits

  • This single rule prevents most early violations

  • Stay away from anyone or anywhere connected to your case

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That's it. Do these five things first. Everything else can wait.

Today's Checklist

Focus only on these. Check them off as you go.

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  • Safe place to sleep tonight

  • PO contacted or appointment scheduled

  • Food secured for today

  • Phone number active (or plan to get one)

Tomorrow's Checklist

Once today's list is done, move to these.

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  • Clothing and hygiene supplies

  • Transportation plan (bus pass, rides, walking route)

  • Job search started (even just a list of places to apply)

  • One safe person contacted (family, mentor, sponsor)

If Something Goes Wrong

Don't panic. Here's what to do:

If you relapse → Call your PO + SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357)

If you miss a PO appointment → Call immediately. Don't wait.

If you have nowhere to go → Call 211 for emergency shelter

If you feel overwhelmed → Call 988. It's free and confidential.

Mistakes happen. What matters is what you do next. Call someone before a small problem becomes a big one.

After the First 48 Hours

Once you've stabilized, focus on these next:

  • Get your ID — You need it for everything. Start with your state's DMV or ID office.

  • Apply for benefits — Food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, and other assistance. 211 can help.

  • Start the job search — See our list of felon-friendly employers in your state.

  • Find ongoing support — Reentry programs, mentors, faith communities, or support groups.

Need the Full Step-by-Step Guide?

This checklist gets you through the moment. The full guide walks you through every hour — with scripts for talking to your PO, housing tips, job search steps, and crisis planning.

You're Not Alone

Thousands of people walk out those doors every day. Many of them make it. You can too.

The first 48 hours are the hardest. Get through today. Then get through tomorrow. That's all you have to do right now.

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One step at a time. You've got this.

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