However, the greatest challenge when starting an Exodus house is in finding a suitable location. A location for a re-socialization service has to mesh with the municipality`s zoning scheme. The location must be suitable for at least fourteen residents, the common rooms and staff rooms must be properly furbished and there need to be sufficient ways of keeping track of who is entering and leaving the premises. Of course, the location cannot be too big, either: keeping things small scale is essential.

Communication with the municipal authorities as well as the neighborhood is key when trying to find a suitable location. Gut feelings and ignorance about the consequences of having a center for (ex-)detainees in the neighborhood often make establishing a new location difficult. Because of protests, political discussions and judicial procedures it has taken up to eight years before a planned Exodus house could be opened. Sometimes, the plan even had to be scrapped altogether under pressure.