In August, 2017, while going through Y Combinator, I announced on HN the launch of 70 Million Jobs, the first employment platform for those with criminal records. (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14911467)<p>We had great success, but when Covid hit, companies laid off all our people and stopped hiring new workers. Our business was devastated. I announced our closing here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31598978<p>I am now building the 1 thing that this population has always lacked. After spending years surrounded by people while incarcerated, when released, the 70 million people with records are lonely, depressed and desperate. What they are missing is community. That is what I am building.<p>After my own lived experience, I have worked in this space for 12 years; few know it better. AI will provide the muscle to create connections at scale and do the heavy lifting. A new network will emerge that will inspire, comfort, assist, provide friendship, love, employment, housing, insights and value. Together, this network will build businesses, elect politicians, facilitate marriages, all while rooting out the pernicious layers of bias and racism that have served as barriers to entry for this population to advance socially, economically and politically.<p>The timing is just right for this community to be galvanized. Fair Chancing hiring, housing and banking have gone mainstream. Now, this population can come together as one. Commissary Club will be their meeting hall.<p>I'd love to hear your thoughts.<p>Richard Bronson<p>Richard@70MillionJobs.com