Reentry in Spartanburg: Resources After Incarceration
First Things First: The First Week
- Secure housing tonight — If you don't have somewhere to go, call Miracle Hill Rescue Mission at (864) 583-1628 or Union Mission at (864) 582-7553. Tell them your situation honestly — both accept returning citizens.
- Get your ID documents in order — You need a photo ID for almost everything else. If you don't have one, start here first (see below).
- Report to your probation/parole officer if required. Missing this creates serious problems that cascade.
- Apply for SNAP food benefits — You may qualify the same week. See our SNAP guide. Note: felony drug convictions may affect eligibility in some states, but SC currently allows SNAP for most returning citizens.
- Connect with a reentry organization — Don't try to do everything alone. The organizations below can coordinate services and advocate for you.
Getting Your ID Documents
Without ID, you can't get a job, housing, benefits, or a bank account. Here's the order to do it in:
- Birth certificate first — If you were born in SC, request online at scdhec.gov or in person at DHEC. Other states have similar services. Some have a fee; Palmetto Legal Aid or reentry orgs may help cover it.
- Social Security card second — Once you have a birth certificate, go to the local Social Security Administration office (151 Southport Rd, Spartanburg) or apply at ssa.gov. It's free.
- SC ID or Driver's License third — SCDMV requires proof of identity (birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of SC residency (a letter, utility bill, or shelter letter). Fee is around $25; some orgs can help with the cost.
Housing After Incarceration
Finding housing with a record is one of the hardest parts of reentry. Here are your realistic options in Spartanburg:
Miracle Hill Rescue Mission
Emergency shelter for men. Accepts returning citizens. Provides meals, clothing, and case management. Ask about their recovery and job skills programming. 189 N Forest St.
Union Mission of Spartanburg
Emergency and transitional shelter for men and women. Open 24/7 for intake. Accepts returning citizens. Recovery programs and job placement assistance. 144 Union St.
Goodwill Industries Reentry Program
Goodwill's reentry services include job training, employment placement, and connections to transitional housing. Good for people who need a structured bridge between release and stable employment.
Employment
South Carolina has adopted "ban the box" policies limiting when employers can ask about criminal history, and many Spartanburg employers actively hire returning citizens.
SC Works Spartanburg
State workforce center with job listings, resume help, skills assessments, and connections to employers. Staff can connect you with employers who hire people with records. 145 Asheville Hwy, Spartanburg.
Goodwill Job Training & Employment
Free job skills training, GED prep, and employment placement. Record-friendly. Goodwill itself is a major employer in the area and often hires from their programs directly.
SC Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have a disability or health condition, SC Vocational Rehab can fund job training, certifications, and education. Available to people with records. 8025 White Ave, Spartanburg.
Expungement — Clearing Your Record
Some criminal records in South Carolina can be expunged (removed), which makes it significantly easier to find housing and employment. Not all offenses qualify, but it's worth checking.
- Generally eligible: First-offense simple possession charges, dismissed charges, charges where you were found not guilty, and some youthful offender sentences.
- Generally not eligible: Most violent offenses, sex offenses, DUI convictions, and felony drug trafficking.
SC Legal Services – Expungement Help
Free legal assistance for income-qualifying individuals seeking expungement. Attorneys can review your record and help you through the court process at no cost to you.
Palmetto Legal Aid
Free civil legal assistance for low-income residents. Can assist with expungement applications, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil legal matters. 148 E Main St, Spartanburg.
Fatherhood & Family Support
Center for Fathers & Families
Supports fathers — including those returning from incarceration — in reconnecting with their children, resolving child support issues, and developing employment and parenting skills. Free services.
Benefits You May Be Entitled To
- SNAP — Most returning citizens qualify. Apply at DSS or through SC Thrive. See our SNAP guide.
- Medicaid — If you have dependents or a qualifying disability, you may qualify. Apply at DSS.
- Voting rights — In South Carolina, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence (including probation and parole). You can re-register as soon as you're done.
- FAFSA / Financial aid — Most drug convictions no longer affect federal financial aid eligibility. Check studentaid.gov for current rules.