Hope & Help: Resources for Unhoused Individuals in NJ
At Project Ring, we believe everyone deserves access to the resources they need to regain stability and dignity. Below is a list of shelters, food assistance programs, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and more to help those experiencing homelessness in New Jersey.
🏠 Emergency Shelters & Housing Assistance
NJ 211 Homeless Services: Call 211 or visit NJ 211 for emergency shelter, housing referrals, and Code Blue alerts.
Code Blue Warming Centers: Safe, temporary shelter during extreme cold weather.
NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA): Offers rental assistance, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention programs. Visit DCA.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson: Housing and emergency shelters across North Jersey. Visit Catholic Charities Paterson.
🍽️ Food Assistance
Community FoodBank of NJ: Statewide food distribution network. Learn more at CFBNJ.
Food Pantries Near You: Visit FoodPantries.org to search by ZIP code.
NJ SNAP (Food Stamps): Apply for monthly food benefits at NJ SNAP.
🏥 Healthcare & Mental Health
NJ Department of Human Services: Provides behavioral health, addiction treatment, and health programs. Visit NJ DHS.
PerformCare NJ: 24/7 mental health and addiction services for youth. Call 1-877-652-7624 or visit PerformCare NJ.
Healthcare for the Homeless (HCHNJ): Free/low-cost clinics statewide. Visit NJ HCH.
NJ Mental Health Cares: Call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) or visit NJ Mental Health Cares.
💼 Employment & Job Resources
NJ One-Stop Career Centers: Career coaching, resume help, and job placement. Visit NJ Career Services.
Dress for Success Northern NJ: Provides professional attire and employment support for women. Dress for Success.
America Works of NJ: Job placement for veterans, returning citizens, and the homeless. Visit America Works.
⚖️ Legal Help & ID Recovery
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ): Free legal help for low-income residents. Call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW or visit LSNJ.
NJ MVC ID Recovery Program: Helps homeless individuals obtain legal identification. Visit MVC.
Homeless Trust Fund Advisory Boards (County-Level): Some counties fund ID/document support via local social services offices.
⚕️ Addiction & Crisis Support
ReachNJ: Addiction help 24/7. Call 1-844-ReachNJ (732-2465) or visit ReachNJ.gov.
NJ HopeLine (Suicide Prevention): Call 1-855-654-6735 for confidential mental health support.
Narcotics Anonymous NJ: Find meetings at NANJ.org.
The Center for Great Expectations: Substance use treatment for pregnant/postpartum women and families. Visit CGE.
🚍 Transportation
NJ Transit Reduced Fare Program: Discounted fares for low-income, disabled, and elderly residents. Visit NJ Transit.
Access Link Paratransit: Call 1-800-955-2321 for accessible rides.
County Human Services Transportation: Available in most counties. Call your county’s Office of Social Services.
🇺🇸 Veteran-Specific Resources (Including NJ-Based and Federal Support)
VA Disability Back Pay Calculator
Estimate the compensation you may be owed for past months of disability with this tool:
100% VA Disability Benefits
Find out what benefits you’re eligible for if you’re rated 100% disabled:
100% VA Disability Benefits Guide
NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Provides housing help, mental health services, emergency financial aid, and VA claims assistance.
Website: NJ Veterans Affairs
Hope for Veterans – Community Hope NJ
Transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and case management for NJ veterans.
Website: Hope for Veterans
Middlesex County Veterans Services Program
24/7 Veterans Helpline: 1-866-VETS-NJ-4 (1-866-838-7654)
More Info: Middlesex Veterans Services
VFW NJ Veterans Assistance
Up to $599/year in emergency funds for NJ veterans, regardless of VFW membership.
More Info: VFW NJ Support
Questions? Need help navigating these services?
Reach out to Project Ring at projectring2016@gmail.com
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please call 211 for support.