@urbana,
Firsdtly, welcome to A2K. You might want to prepare yourself as people here express themselves freely. Be forewarned as some folks here can be very direct. Things can be said that you may not or are ready to hear.
You're to be commended for wanting to befriend him. However, go slowly as he needs to prove himself, find a job, pay bills, etc. He is best served by gaining back his self-respect, getting used to his new life and being self-reliant. If you want him as your new friend, do so cautiously. Being emotionally supportive is the best way. There are parole officers, some social agencies and social workers who may help him best with job finding, apartment hunting, etc., than you can.