In a giving mood for the holidays? These North Jersey shelters, nonprofits could use help

Ashley Balcerzak, NorthJersey.com
·6 min read

More than 8,000 New Jerseyans slept in shelters or on the streets in January, an estimate that most likely is a vast undercount of the Garden State’s homeless population.

And even more financially strapped tenants may be at risk of eviction once the state moratorium on evictions ends Dec. 31 if they can’t make January’s rent.

Yet homeless shelters are still trying to get back to normal after cutting available beds to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and spending more on cleaning supplies, personal protective gear and more.

State and local governments are passing out rental assistance and other checks for housing expenses, but even with financial help, New Jerseyans face barriers to finding stable affordable housing.

Shelters, community groups, nonprofits, churches and others try to fill in the gaps. They provide spare beds or pass out checks to help residents with rent, a security deposit or home repairs. They counsel families about how to buy their first home, step in before a family faces eviction to work out a deal with landlords, or build new, affordable homes for those in need.

Related: New Jersey food pantries are here to help - and to be helped

For people in need, or for people who want to help their neighbors secure safe housing, here's a list of local organizations providing that assistance.

Read more about the groups and their missions, along with how to get help or discover what support they need, whether through volunteering, donations, spearheading events or just spreading the word. The groups listed below come from HousinghelpNJ.org, NJ211 and the Department of Community Affairs.

Notice that a housing group is missing? Let me know at Balcerzaka@northjersey.com.

Bergen

Passaic

Essex

  • Apostles’ House

  • Covenant House For Youth

  • Family Connections

  • Goodwill Rescue Mission

  • HANDS, Inc.

  • Ironbound Community Corporation

  • HomeCorp Housing

  • Family Promise of Essex County

  • Isaiah House

  • Jewish Community Housing Corporation

  • La Casa De Don Pedro

  • New Community Corporation

  • Newark Emergency Services for Families

  • Newark YMCA

  • The North Ward Center Inc.

  • Project Live Inc.

  • Sierra House For Women

  • St. Bridget’s Residence

  • St. James Social Services

    • stjamesssc.org

    • 604 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark

    • 973-624-4007

  • St. Rocco’s Emergency Family Shelter

  • Supportive Housing Association

  • Tri-City Peoples Corporation Headquarters

  • Turning Point Community Services

  • Unified Vailsburg Services Organization

    • uvso.org

    • 40-42 Richelieu Terrace, Newark

    • 973-374-2000

  • United Community Corporation

  • Urban League of Essex County

    • ulec.org

    • 508 Central Ave., Newark

    • 973-624-9535

  • Weequahic Family Success Center

Hudson

Multiple counties

Ashley Balcerzak is a reporter covering affordable housing and its intersection of how we live in New Jersey. For unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: balcerzaka@northjersey.com

Twitter: @abalcerzak

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ shelters and nonprofits needing donations for holidays