Reentry housing & support · Central Florida
A future defined by opportunity, not circumstance.
Second Chance Collective helps people rebuild stable, independent lives after incarceration, addiction, or mental health treatment — with substance-free housing, recovery support, accountability, and a real path forward.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- Substance-free housing
- Serving adults 18+
- Founder-led by lived experience
- FARR & NARR certified
Rebuild. Recover. Belong. Thrive.
Certified recovery housing
FARR & NARR certified recovery residences.
Our recovery residences are certified by the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) to the national standards of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) — independently reviewed, inspected, and held to a code of ethics.
What our certification means
Our mission
A second chance is more than a place to stay.
Our mission is to help people rebuild stable, independent lives after incarceration, addiction or mental health treatment through substance-free housing, recovery support, accountability, life skills training, and access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
We serve adults who are ready to do the work: people coming home from prison, people leaving treatment or psychiatric care, seniors facing homelessness, and others who want to step into a new chapter. We meet them with respect, clear expectations, and practical help — a hand up, not a handout.
Learn about our story and values
How it works
One path, built step by step.
Every person moves at a pace that fits their progress — with structure, support, and a clear plan at each stage.
Connect & referral
A case manager, probation officer, treatment provider, family member, or the person themselves contacts us. We talk through fit and next steps.
Housing & stabilization
A structured, substance-free home with meals and essentials provided. Over five phases, residents secure IDs, open a bank account, find work, and earn more freedom — graduating at six months.
Stabilization
Affordable sober living where working graduates keep building savings in a supportive, sober community of peers — while staying connected to our programs and staff.
A lease of your own
Every graduate works toward a lease in their own name. Graduates on a fixed income can move into our Independent Living Program.
By the numbers
Structure you can count on.
Days in our Transitional Housing & Stabilization program — five phases, each earning greater freedom
Of every paycheck saved toward a home of their own
Counties with partner homes today — Volusia and Flagler
Topics in our Second Chance Stabilization & Reentry Curriculum
What we provide
Practical support for every part of rebuilding.
Housing is the foundation. What we build on it is what makes change last.
Substance-free housing
Safe, structured transitional and sober living homes through partners in Volusia and Flagler Counties.
Case management & coaching
Individualized plans, mentorship, life coaching, and accountability from people who understand the road.
IDs & vital documents
We sponsor the fees for a state ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate.
Financial literacy
Budgeting, quarterly goal setting, bank accounts, secured credit, and learning to read a credit report.
Education & workforce
Job readiness and pathways to free trade certifications and college through Daytona State College's Fresh Start Program.
Food & hygiene support
Weekly groceries, quality protein, shelf-stable food, and hygiene essentials through community partners.
Why we do this
“We believe in the power of second chances.”Jesse DeMersCo-Founder & Executive Director
Jesse went to prison at 19 and came home at 32, determined to rebuild and give back. Today he leads Second Chance Collective, mentors returning citizens, and volunteers inside Tomoka Correctional Institution. Our approach is shaped by that lived experience: compassion and accountability, side by side.
Meet our teamStories of change
When a neighbor rebuilds, the whole community gets stronger.
Safer streets, stronger families, and children who grow up with more hope — that is what second chances create. Investing in one person's stability is an investment in all of us.
See how your gift helps
Featured initiative
Juveniles with Life (JwL) Initiative
Preparing men who were sentenced as juveniles for judicial review, release, and a successful return home.
Now operating at Tomoka Correctional Institution, JwL pairs a trauma-informed curriculum, vocational training, and education with a one-year reentry plan that includes transitional housing, employment, and mentorship.
Learn about JwL
Get involved
Be part of someone's second chance.
There is more than one way to help — and every one of them matters.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for your programs?
Adults 18 and older who are committed to living substance-free and are ready to take part in their own growth. We work with people returning from incarceration, people leaving mental health treatment, seniors experiencing homelessness, and others ready for a fresh start.
Where are your housing partners?
Our transitional housing and sober living partners are currently in Volusia County and Flagler County, Florida. We plan to expand as we grow.
Are your homes certified?
Yes. Second Chance Collective is FARR and NARR certified. FARR, the Florida Association of Recovery Residences, is the Florida affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and the organization approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families to certify recovery residences. Certification means our recovery residences have been reviewed and inspected against NARR's national standards, FARR's Code of Ethics, and Florida law, and must be renewed every year. Learn what certification covers.
Can someone coming home from prison get sponsorship?
Yes. People returning from prison without family support may qualify for sponsorship, as long as they meet program requirements. Call (386) 500-1110 to talk it through.
Who can make a referral?
Case managers, social workers, counselors, probation officers, treatment centers, hospitals, shelters, correctional institutions, community organizations, family members — or the person themselves.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Second Chance Collective is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 39-3494076). Contributions may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Take the next step
Ready to start — or ready to help?
Call (386) 500-1110 for housing questions and current bed availability, or email info@second-chance-collective.org.
In immediate danger? Call 911. In crisis? Call or text 988, any time.