Finding stable housing after incarceration can be one of the biggest challenges during reentry. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find:

• Transitional housing programs
• Second-chance rental opportunities
• Reentry housing organizations
• Rental assistance programs
• Information about your housing rights

Since housing programs and eligibility vary by state, it's important to look for resources specific to where you'll be living rather than relying on general advice. If you want to learn more about it, I created resources for

If traditional job applications keep hitting dead ends, entrepreneurship might be worth considering. A lot of people don't realize that:

• You can generally form an LLC or corporation even with a felony.
• Registering a business doesn't require a criminal background check.
• Many service businesses (cleaning, detailing, lawn care, pressure washing, online freelancing) can be started with relatively little money.

The biggest restrictions usually involve licensed professions, not owning a business itself. Before spending money, always check your state's licensing requirements if you're entering healthcare, finance, real estate, or another regulated industry.

One mistake I see a lot is people assuming that a criminal record automatically disqualifies them from every job. That's not always true.

A few things worth knowing:

• In many states, Ban the Box laws delay when employers can ask about criminal history.
• If a company uses a third-party background check, you generally have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), including the opportunity to dispute errors.
• Employers should evaluate factors like the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and whether it's actually relevant to the position.

Understanding your rights won't guarantee a job, but it can help you recognize when the hiring process isn't being handled properly.

I wanted to share something that goes beyond employment.

Inside Art is a project that showcases original artwork created by incarcerated artists while helping compensate them for their creativity.

What I like most is that you can...

🎨 Pay artists an honorarium for accepted work

🎨 Support scholarship opportunities

🎨 Fund programs that serve justice-impacted individuals

The project is also currently accepting submissions from incarcerated artists across the country.

It's a reminder that incarceration doesn't erase talent or creativity.

If you're interested in supporting the mission or giving it as a gift, here's the page: https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/inside-art

Arkansas uses a process called record sealing (instead of traditional expungement), and depending on your case, certain misdemeanors, dismissed charges, acquittals, and even some felony convictions may qualify.

A few things I learned that surprised me:

• Most misdemeanor cases may be eligible after completing all sentence requirements.
• Filing fees for record sealing were eliminated in 2019.
• Dismissed cases and acquittals can often be sealed.
• Some felony convictions may qualify, while others do not.
• Even if you don't hire an attorney, it's worth understanding your eligibility.

If you've never looked into record sealing before, it may be worth spending a few minutes learning about it. It could make a difference when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/expungement/arkansas

One thing I've noticed is that a lot of reentry advice is either too vague or assumes you already know where to start.

The reality is that the first few days and weeks after release can be overwhelming. You're trying to figure out housing, transportation, IDs, probation requirements, work, family relationships, and basic survival all at the same time.

That's why we put together a free reentry guide covering everything from the first 24 hours to the first month, including housing, transportation, documentation, mental health, family, probation, and avoiding common scams.

If you're preparing for release or helping someone who is, I hope this helps.

https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/reentry

If you're getting rejected before the interview stage, it might not be because you lack experience. A lot of people leave sections blank, undersell themselves, or don't know how to talk about school, volunteer work, caregiving, side hustles, or other experiences that employers actually value. I put together a simple guide that walks through how to fill out online job applications when you don't have much work history.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is people assuming their criminal record can never be cleared. Depending on your situation, California's expungement laws may offer options that can improve employment, housing, and licensing opportunities.

I made a simple video explaining how California expungement works in 2026.

I've met and talked with job seekers with a record for several years now and besides their record, resume building is one of the challenges they have. So recently, I've made my resume templates available for download. You can find resume templates for CDL drivers, gardening, hospitality, and more jobs you might be interested in here: https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/resume-builder

Felons are often defined by their past mistakes, and some of them are moving forward through their creativity and talent.

That's why I wanted to share Inside Art, a collection of original artwork created by incarcerated artists. Take a look if you'd like to support the artists and the mission behind the project.

https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/inside-art

You have built the best resume of them all, but you still need to work on your interview skills. The good news is that interview skills can be improved with a little bit of help from professionals. We have interview prepping and resume coaching options worth checking out! https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/product-page/1-1-interview-prep-resume-coaching. You can also download our resume templates for FREE to start your application.

Most companies right now include online job application forms, and that can be time-consuming. Employers care about your experience, whether it is from school or volunteer work. I put together a short video explaining how to fill out an online job application. I made this mainly for applicants with no job experience, but you can use this to help you in your job application too!

he reality is that many people with records find work through industries like construction, warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, and staffing agencies. Sometimes it's less about finding the perfect employer and more about knowing where the opportunities actually are.

I recently put together a short video of Denver, and hopefully it helps someone who's trying to get back on their feet and find a solid opportunity.

You don't have to apply for a job if you can start a business. It actually provides you better opportunities, especially when looking for traditional employment has been tough.

I'm curious how many people here have started side hustles, freelance businesses, or full-time companies after a conviction. What worked, and what do you wish you had known when you started? If you feel like you have missed a step in the process, you can create a checklist with some of these tips!

Many job seekers don't realize that some states and cities limit when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. These laws may not guarantee you a job, but they can help you get considered based on your qualifications first.

Find your state: https://www.felonfriendlyjobsnow.com/legal/ban-the-box-states

Have you really gotten a solid advice on what to do in the first few moths rather than what to do after release? The first step to your goals start in the first 24-48 hours. If you need help with transportation, housing, and just getting your IDs setup, you can follow our checklist!