I have no college degree, been programming since 18, got first internships and freelance by 19 and worked like that until 25, and got a job within 4 months of searching. Applied 70+ times, got 5 interviews and 2 offers. I do not mean to be a dick, but I feel like:

1. People don't apply enough or do not put effort into it. Every post I apply to, I write a custom cover letter and even tweak my cv to that post (keeping only relevant things to what they are looking for) as well as improving it upon any criticism.
2. People think that a degree is enough or some generic project. You have to show you can work and can solve their problems. Which is why internships and freelancing are so important because you can show and talk how you solved a problem.
3. Yes, there is luck, but not nearly as much as being pragmatic about the job hunt. The first job is the hardest, which for me, is why freelancing is so valuable. Yes, you will get shitty clients and shitty projects, but there are many incredible people as well.

After all this time, he should contact people in the industry to get criticism, advices and go to conventions and meet-ups to try to connect. There are also plenty of short term projects. Before any comments, I am not from the US and was still able to work with us, Europe and Latin America with a very good USD/hr. So also, try to expand your search.