The First 72+

In 2014, six formerly incarcerated men used their own hands and their own money to turn an old bail bonds office into a home. Their mission was to provide a safe place to live for people recently released from prison so they could grow into independent and self-sustaining community members. Their motto from the start has been "Us Helping Us." They knew what formerly incarcerated people needed to succeed because they had been through it themselves. They named the organization "The First 72+", referencing the first 72 hours after someone is released from prison—the most crucial period of the reentry journey.

The First 72+ has been serving the New Orleans community for over 10 years and has grown into a holistic, full-service reentry program. We provide case management, transitional housing, employment support, public benefits assistance, peer mentorship, and financial life skills education. Our weekly programming, alongside our one-on-one coaching, is focused on building long-term success for every client who comes through our doors. 

In 2025, we launched The First 72+ in-house Culinary Program, which provides justice-impacted individuals with increased work experience and certifications, creating a pathway to advanced career opportunities. 

Testimonials

"They helped me get a job, gave me a place to stay, clothed me, helped me get my benefits… just everything". - Transitional Housing client, Allen

"Y'all's program is so beautiful. You got 4 guys living in here and everybody gets along…The way y'all work with people, it's like we're living in another different world, but we're right across the street from everything that went wrong." - Transitional Housing client, Claude

"They gave me the time to get myself together." - Transitional Housing client, Ronday