This outstanding guide was put together in July of 2018 by Anthony Gallo, MSW, LCADC Intern.
Master Resource
NJ 211
NJ 211 is a hotline for accessing a variety of services in NJ including housing, healthcare, food, etc. View this hotline as a centralized resource which can link you to information in all of the other areas detailed on this sheet.
Dial 211
Food and Nutrition
Community Food Banks of New Jersey
CFBNJ is a network of community food banks throughout the state of NJ. You can find a food bank near you by searching their online directory. CFBNJ’s database represents the most user-friendly foodbank database in the state.
NJ Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a public health nutrition program that provides wholesome food, nutrition education and community support for low and moderate income women who are pregnant or post partum. WIC also provides nutrition assistance for infants and children up to five years old. Learn more about WIC and find your local WIC office by following the link below.
Phone numbers specific to county office.
https://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/wic/index.shtml
NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is a program designed to help low-income families buy the groceries they need to eat healthy. Eligibility depends on several factors like income, household size, resources, etc. Visit the site below for an online screening to determine your eligibility.
https://njfc.force.com/njhelps
Health
NJ Family Care (Medicaid)
Call the NJ Family Care Hotline or visit the NJ Family Care website for information about Medicaid, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for coverage. Eligible applicants can receive Medicaid benefits which generally cover healthcare expenses at 100% for select Medicaid providers.
800-701-0710
Department of Health
If you do not have health insurance, contact the DOH hotline or visit their site for information on healthcare for the uninsured. Qualified applicants may be eligible to receive Charity Care funding which covers treatment services at 100%.
866-588-5696
https://www.nj.gov/health/charitycare/
Housing
NJ Housing Resource Center
The NJ Housing Resource Center is a hotline and web directory for locating affordable and accessible housing in NJ. NJ HRC can help you find affordable rental housing, affordable for-sale housing, and housing with accessibility features. This organization was established in 2005 as an affiliate of the Department of Community Affairs.
877-428-8844
https://www.nj.gov/njhrc/find/
NJ Department of Community Affairs
Visit the NJ Department of Community Affairs website for a list of affordable housing developments in each of the 21 counties of NJ.
https://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/publications/developments.html
US Department of Housing & Urban Development
If you’re in need of emergency shelter, visit this website for a directory of shelters and emergency shelters in each of the 21 counties of NJ.
https://www.hud.gov/states/new_jersey/homeless/shelters
Legal
Legal Services of New Jersey
If you’re in need of legal assistance for a civil lawsuit, call or visit the website of Legal Services of NJ for information and assistance. LSNJ coordinates the statewide legal services system and may be able to assist you with free legal information and legal counsel.
732-572-9100
NJ Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD)
If you’re in need of criminal legal defense contact the NJ Office of the Public Defender for assistance. This agency provides criminal legal representation to citizens who cannot afford attorneys at the trial appellate level.
609-292-7087
Education
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHEAA)
The NJHEAA is a government agency providing students with financial and informational resources for affordable higher education. NJHEAA can help you access grants, loans, and scholarships. Their website also contains links to apply for federal grants such as the FAFSA.
609-584-4480
One Stop Career Center (OSCC)
OSCC offers a variety of employment resources such as carrer information and guidance, resume building, and vocational training. The OSCC also offers educational assistance such as tuition waivers which allow eligible, unemployed residents to attend public universities for free. Find your local OSCC by visiting their website and searching the directory.
http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/prepare/skills/financialaid/tuition_waivers.shtml
Federal Student Aid
The office of Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of Federal student aid with more than $120B in grants, loans, and work-study funds. Visit their site to learn about a plethora of funding options and fill out your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal aid for college, career school, or graduate school.
800-433-3243