Many people who have a felony record face big problems when they try to start fresh after prison. Finding a job or a place to live can feel impossible because many employers and landlords say no right away. This makes it hard to rebuild a good life and stay out of trouble.
But there is hope. The Friend a Felon app helps change that. It is a special mobile app made just for people with felony convictions. It connects them to jobs and homes that accept them. The app is free to download and use for people looking for help. It also has other tools like resources and a place to talk to others.
In this article, we will explain everything about the Friend a Felon app in simple words. We cover what it is, who made it, how to get it for free, details about the company behind it, and why it matters in 2026. All facts come from trusted places like the official website, news stories in Forbes, and other reports.
What Is the Friend a Felon App?
The Friend a Felon app is America’s first app built as a felony-friendly job and housing marketplace. It also works as a reentry help desk. “Reentry” means helping people come back into normal life after prison.
The app does many things in one place:
- It shows jobs from employers who are open to hiring people with felony records (called “fair chance” or “second chance” employers).
- It lists housing options where landlords do not turn people away just because of a felony.
- It has a resource center with helpful information for starting over, like help with money, clothes, food, or other needs.
- It includes a social media part where users can follow friends, post messages, share positive stories, and support each other.
This all-in-one design makes it easier than using many different websites or apps. Users can put in details about their felony, any rules from probation, if they have a car, and more. The app then matches them to the best options.
The main goal is to lower recidivism. Recidivism means going back to crime or prison. When people find stable jobs and homes, they are much less likely to make bad choices again.
The app started small but grew. By 2024, it had over 13,000 users who are formerly incarcerated. It helped connect more than 3,900 people to jobs, housing, or other help. In 2026, the numbers are likely even higher as more people learn about it.
Who Created the Friend a Felon App?
The app comes from a real story of struggle and success. Sterling Braden, from Cleveland, Ohio, created it.
When he was 18, Braden got a felony conviction for improperly discharging a firearm. He spent time in jail. After release, he tried to go to college but got kicked out of housing when the school learned about his record. This made life very hard.
Braden did not give up. He taught himself how to code. In 2021, he turned his pain into purpose and launched the Friend a Felon app. At first, he started a nonprofit with the same name to help others. Then he grew it into a tech app.
Braden worked with groups like JumpStart, a nonprofit that supports new businesses. His work got attention from big news places like Forbes in 2024. They called it a helpful tool for people coming out of prison.
Braden keeps improving the app. He added a web version so employers can use it more easily. He plans to use AI (artificial intelligence) to make matching better and help with paperwork. In 2026, these updates make the app even stronger.
Why the Friend a Felon App Is Important in 2026
In 2026, many states have “ban the box” laws. These laws stop employers from asking about criminal records on job forms at the start. But problems still exist. Many jobs and rentals still say no to felons.
Apps like Friend a Felon fill this gap. They focus only on “felony-friendly” options. This saves time and gives hope.
Society benefits too. When more people with records get jobs, communities become safer and stronger. People pay taxes, support families, and stay positive.
The app fights stigma. Stigma means bad feelings or judgments about people with felony records. By building a community inside the app, users see they are not alone. They can share success stories and motivate each other.
Experts say tools like this help reduce recidivism a lot. Stable work and housing are two of the biggest factors in staying free.
How to Download the Friend a Felon App for Free
The Friend a Felon app is 100% free to download and use for job seekers and people needing housing. There is no cost for basic features.
Here is the easy step-by-step guide:
- For iPhone or iPad users (iOS): Open the App Store on your device. Search for “Friend A Felon” (note the spaces and capital letters). Look for the app by Friend A Felon App LLC or with the official logo. Tap Get or the download button. It is free. Enter your Apple ID password if asked. The app downloads fast.
- For Android phone or tablet users: Open the Google Play Store. Search for “Friend A Felon“. Find the app page (it says “America’s First Felony Friendly Job & Housing Marketplace”). Tap Install. It is free. Wait for it to download and install.
You can also go to the official website at www.friendafelon.com. There, you see buttons to download from the App Store or Google Play. This is the safest way to get the real app.
Important safety tip: Only download from the official App Store, Google Play, or the website. Do not use other sites that say “free download” for APK files. Those can have viruses or fake versions.
After download, open the app. Make a profile by adding your info (like felony type if you want, location, skills). This helps the app find good matches for you. You can start searching jobs and housing right away.
The app is updated often. In 2026, check for the latest version to get new features like better search or AI help.
Friend a Felon App LLC: Company Details
The company behind the app is Friend A Felon App LLC. It is a limited liability company (LLC). This is a common business type in the United States. It protects the owner and makes taxes simpler.
The LLC started around 2017 when Braden first had the idea, but the app launched in 2021. It is based in the United States, with roots in Cleveland, Ohio.
The company runs the app as a business. For job seekers, everything is free. But employers and landlords pay a fee to post listings and get matches. Fees depend on company size:
- Small companies pay about $300 per month for unlimited use.
- Medium companies pay around $500.
- Large companies pay about $800.
This money helps keep the app running, add new features, and grow the team.
You can find the company on sites like F6S or PitchBook. The official site is friendafelon.com. They also have social media on Instagram (@friendafelon), Facebook (@FriendAFelon), and TikTok.
The LLC focuses on transparency. They tell users exactly what convictions employers accept. This builds trust.
How to Use the Friend a Felon App: Simple Tips
After you download:
- Sign up with email or phone.
- Fill your profile honestly. Add what you can do, where you live, and any limits (like no driving if on probation).
- Search jobs by location, type of work, or pay.
- Look for housing the same way.
- Check the resource center for helpful links.
- Join the social part to connect with others. Share your wins or ask for advice.
Many users say it feels like a supportive community. You can find old friends from prison or make new ones who understand your situation.
Employers: If you own a business and want to hire fair chance workers, sign up on the web version. Post your job and say what convictions you accept. The app sends you good matches.
Final Thoughts: A Real Tool for Second Chances
The Friend a Felon app is more than just an app. It is a lifeline for people who want to change their lives. Founded by someone who lived the struggle, it offers real help with jobs, housing, and support.
In 2026, with updates and growth, it continues to make a difference. If you or someone you know has a felony record, download it today. It is free, safe, and easy.
Visit www.friendafelon.com to learn more or download. Follow them on social media for updates and success stories.
Disclaimer:
This article is for information only. It is not a promotion, advertisement, or affiliate content. We are not connected to the Friend a Felon App or its company in any way. We do not guarantee that the app will work for everyone or that all information is 100% correct. Always check the official app and website yourself before downloading or using it. We are not responsible for any problems, losses, or issues that may happen if you use the app.
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