Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If you're young and things at home aren't okay, or you don't have a home right now, you're not in trouble and you're not alone. There are people in New Jersey who help young people every day, without judging. Let's find someone for you to talk to.
Here is the easy first step: call or text the 2NDFLOOR youth helpline at 888.222.2228. It's open 24/7, and it's private and anonymous. If you need a place to stay tonight, dial 211.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed or a spot in any program.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
- 2NDFLOOR. New Jersey's youth helpline. Call or text 888.222.2228, 24/7. 2NDFLOOR says its support is anonymous and confidential.
- Covenant House New Jersey. Its Youth Engagement Center offers safety, a bed, food, showers and laundry. In North Jersey, call 973.621.8705. In South Jersey, call 609.348.4070. You can text 855.628.2465.
- 1 800 RUNAWAY. Call or text, 24/7, if you're thinking of running away, have left home or are in a crisis. Its Home Free program helps young people ages 12 to 21 get home.
- 211. Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211, for shelter near you.
Sources: https://www.2ndfloor.org/ and https://covenanthousenj.org/ and https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://nj211.org/get-help
What to do tonight, step by step
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Call or text 2NDFLOOR at 888.222.2228, or 1 800 RUNAWAY.
- Say where you are, and that you need a safe place to stay.
- If you're in North Jersey, you can call Covenant House at 973.621.8705. In South Jersey, call 609.348.4070.
- Stay in a safe, public place with people around while you wait.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm (age), and I can't stay at home tonight."
"I'm in (town or county). Is there a safe place for young people near me?"
"Can you help me figure out what to do next?"
You're not in trouble
Asking for help is brave, not bad. The people on these lines talk with young people every day. You've got this!
What if I aged out of foster care?
New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) has support for young people who were in foster care, including help paying for college or training. Ask your caseworker or Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P) office what you can still get.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/njyrs/education/scholarships/
Say you just turned 18 and left care
Say you just turned 18, left foster care in Camden County and want to go to community college. You could fill out the FAFSA, then look at the New Jersey Foster Care Scholars program, which helps with tuition, fees and other costs for youth who qualify. You could also ask your caseworker about other help.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.nj.gov/njyrs/education/scholarships/ and https://www.nj.gov/dcf/divisions-offices/oas/foster_scholars_program.shtml
Papers to ask for before you leave care
Can I get help paying for college if I was in foster care?
The New Jersey Foster Care Scholars program helps with costs like tuition and school fees, room and board, and transportation. The state lists rules like these:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 25.
- Complete the FAFSA, or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application for NJ Dreamers.
- Have been in a CP&P out of home placement for at least 9 months total after turning 16, or left CP&P placement for kinship legal guardianship (KLG) after turning 16, among other ways to qualify.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/divisions-offices/oas/foster_scholars_program.shtml and https://www.nj.gov/njyrs/education/scholarships/
What other money for school is there?
- The FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, like the Pell Grant, and New Jersey state aid.
- NJ STARS. A state tuition program for New Jersey community college students who graduated in the top 15% of their class.
- Third party scholarships. The state suggests searching for scholarships for foster youth, financial need and more, to cut down on loans.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/njyrs/education/scholarships/
Starting college, step by step
- Fill out the FAFSA, or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application if you're an NJ Dreamer.
- Apply to a community college or a four year school.
- Look up the Foster Care Scholars program, if you were in care.
- Meet with the financial aid office and ask what you qualify for.
- Ask about campus food pantries and housing help.
Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?
Often, yes. The federal McKinney Vento program helps students experiencing homelessness.
New Jersey's Department of Education says it helps these students enroll in and attend school and finish high school. Every district has a homeless liaison who can help, and the state lists them by county.
- Ask your school's front office to connect you with the district's homeless liaison.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/education/homeless/ and https://nj.gov/education/homeless/liaison.shtml
Where can I find a job or training?
One Stop Career Centers help people of all ages with job search help and training. See Guide 6 for your county's center.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/contact-us/one-stops/
Who can I talk to if I'm struggling?
- Call or text 988, any time.
- Call or text 2NDFLOOR at 888.222.2228, 24/7.
- If you're in a relationship that scares you, text LOVEIS to 22522. See Guide 8.
Sources: https://988lifeline.org/ and https://www.2ndfloor.org/ and https://njcedv.org/
Questions people ask a lot
What is 2NDFLOOR?
New Jersey's youth helpline. Call or text 888.222.2228, 24/7.
Is 2NDFLOOR anonymous?
2NDFLOOR says its support is anonymous and confidential.
How do I reach Covenant House New Jersey?
In North Jersey, call 973.621.8705. In South Jersey, call 609.348.4070. Or text 855.628.2465.
Who can get Foster Care Scholars?
Youth ages 16 to 25 who meet the state's foster care rules and complete the FAFSA or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Can I stay in my school if I lose my home?
Often, yes. McKinney Vento helps students experiencing homelessness. Ask for your district's homeless liaison.
Sources: https://www.2ndfloor.org/ and https://covenanthousenj.org/ and https://www.nj.gov/njyrs/education/scholarships/ and https://www.nj.gov/education/homeless/
Your future matters
You have so much ahead of you. I believe in you, friend.
Here is help for young people and families near you, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
1 800 RUNAWAY
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for young people who are thinking of running away, have left home or are in a crisis, and for worried family members.
How to reach Call 1.800.RUNAWAY (1.800.786.2929).
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline
What it offers No cost, anonymous and private support 24/7 for New Jersey youth, by call or text.
How to reach Call or text 888.222.2228.
Source https://www.2ndfloor.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Covenant House New Jersey
What it offers Safe shelter, food, showers and laundry for young people facing homelessness, with programs in Newark and other cities.
How to reach North Jersey: call 973.621.8705. Text 855.628.2465.
Source https://covenanthousenj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ 211
What it offers New Jersey's statewide information and referral line. Trained staff connect you to housing, food, health care and other help, 24/7.
How to reach Dial 211. Chat, text and search at https://nj211.org/
Source https://nj211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Bergen County Department of Human Services
What it offers County human services, including the Housing, Health and Human Services Center and HEARTS Homeless Family Services.
How to reach Call the county at 201.336.6000. One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack.
Source https://bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-human-services/human-services-institute/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
What it offers Mental health and crisis services in central New Jersey, including psychiatric emergency screening.
How to reach Call the Access Center at 800.969.5300.
Source https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Covenant House New Jersey
What it offers Safe shelter, food, showers and laundry for young people facing homelessness, with programs in Newark and other cities.
How to reach North Jersey: call 973.621.8705. Text 855.628.2465.
Source https://covenanthousenj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
Hudson Pride Center
What it offers New Jersey's largest LGBTQ+ social services center, with no cost support groups, wellness services and a youth program called Youth Connect, based in Jersey City.
How to reach Visit https://hudsonpride.org/
Source https://hudsonpride.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
The Hoboken Shelter
What it offers Meals, emergency shelter, case management and permanent supportive housing. The entrance is on 3rd Street, down the wheelchair ramp.
How to reach Call 201.656.5069. 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken.
Source https://hobokenshelter.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
Center for Family Services
What it offers A Camden nonprofit with family, youth and crisis programs in South Jersey.
How to reach Call 877.922.2377. 584 Benson Street, Camden.
Source https://www.centerffs.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county agency)
Here are some places to start.
Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Atlantic County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Call 609.348.3001. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Burlington County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Burlington County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 795 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly. Call 609.261.1000. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cape May County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cape May County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3801 Route 9 South Unit 4, Rio Grande. Call 609.886.6200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cumberland County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 275 North Delsea Dr., Vineland. Call 856.691.4600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Gloucester County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 400 Hollydell, Drive Sewell. Call 856.582.9200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hunterdon County Department of Human Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Hunterdon County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 6 Gauntt, Place Flemington. Call 908.788.1300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercer County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Mercer County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 200 Woolverton, Street Trenton. Call 609.989.4320. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Salem County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Salem County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 147 South Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove. Call 856.299.7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Somerset County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Somerset County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 73 East High, Street Somerville. Call 908.526.8800. Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Sussex County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Sussex County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 83 Spring Street Suite 203, Newton. Call 973.383.3600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Warren County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3 Shotwell Dr., Belvidere. Call 908.475.6301. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I believe in you. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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