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. Clean clothes, a warm coat and a hot shower can change how a whole day feels. If you need any of those right now, you're in the right place. There's help in New Jersey, and you deserve to feel good in your own skin.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211, and ask about clothing closets, showers and hygiene items near you.
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 items or a spot in any program.
- Hours and supplies change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Many churches, shelters, day centers and community groups in New Jersey run clothing closets, where you can pick out clothes at no cost. Some give vouchers for thrift stores.
NJ 211 keeps a statewide directory of thousands of services, and can tell you what's near you.
Emergency Assistance can also help. For people who get Work First New Jersey or SSI and face a loss from fire, flood or eviction, the state says Emergency Assistance may include food and clothing. Ask your County Social Services Agency.
Sources: https://nj211.org/about-nj-211 and https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/
How to find clothes at no cost, step by step
- Dial 211, and ask about clothing closets or vouchers near you.
- Ask your local shelter, day center or food pantry if they have clothes.
- Call ahead, and ask about sizes, hours and what to bring.
- If you lost your things in a fire or flood, call your County Social Services Agency.
- Ask when they get new donations, so you can come back.
What to say when you call
"Hi. Do you have clothes or coats I could pick up? What are your hours?"
"I need sizes for (me, my kids). Do you have kids' clothes and shoes?"
"Do I need to bring an ID or a referral?"
Ask about vouchers
Some programs give vouchers you can use at a thrift store. Ask 211 or your caseworker. Just ask!
Where can I take a shower?
Day centers, shelters and some churches offer showers. Some groups bring mobile shower trucks to towns.
The county cards at the end of this guide include places that list showers, and 211 can tell you what's open near you.
- Ask if you need to sign up ahead, and if they give towels and soap.
- Ask about laundry too. Some places have washers and dryers.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/get-help
A simple shower bag
How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?
- Wash a few things by hand in a sink, and hang them to dry.
- Ask day centers and shelters about laundry.
- Some laundromats run no cost laundry days with local groups. Ask 211.
- Wear an extra layer over your clothes, so you can wash the outside less often.
How do I get hygiene items like soap, diapers and pads?
- Food pantries. Many pantries in the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Fulfill and Food Bank of South Jersey networks give out hygiene items with food. Ask when you call.
- WIC. WIC doesn't give diapers, but your WIC team may know where to find them nearby.
- SNAP can't be used for soap, diapers or paper products. Pantries and diaper banks can help fill that gap.
- Dial 211 and ask about diaper banks and period products near you.
Sources: https://cfbnj.org/ and https://fulfillnj.org/ and https://foodbanksj.org/ and https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
Say you need diapers before payday in New Brunswick
Say you're out of diapers and payday is a week away in New Brunswick. You could dial 211 and ask about diaper banks in Middlesex County, and ask your food pantry if it has diapers or wipes. If you get WIC, you could ask your WIC team where families find diapers.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/get-help
Keep a little kit with you
A travel toothbrush, a small soap, wipes and a few pads fit in a zip bag. Easy peasy!
How do I take care of myself in hot weather?
New Jersey summers can be hot and sticky. Heat can be dangerous, especially for kids, older adults and anyone outside all day.
- Drink water often, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Find shade, or cool off in a library or a cooling center. NJ 211 lists cooling centers by county in hot weather.
- Wear light, loose clothes and a hat.
- Call 911 if someone is confused, stops sweating or passes out.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/get-help
How do I stay warm and dry in cold weather?
New Jersey winters can be very cold. When a county or town calls a Code Blue, it can open warming centers and arrange shelter.
NJ 211 lists Code Blue activations and warming centers by county at nj211.org/njcodeblue. You can text NJCodeBlue to 898211 to get the link.
- Wear layers, a hat, gloves and dry socks.
- Change out of wet clothes as soon as you can.
- Libraries, shopping centers and senior centers often serve as warming centers during the day.
- Ask clothing closets about coats, hats and blankets before winter starts.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/njcodeblue
A simple cold weather kit
What should I wear to a job interview?
Clean, simple clothes that fit are perfect. You don't need anything fancy.
One Stop Career Centers can help with job search, and some groups give interview clothes at no cost. Ask 211, or see Guide 6.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/labor/
Are there ways to stretch money for clothes and basics?
- Shop thrift stores on sale days.
- Swap clothes with friends and family, especially kids' clothes.
- Use SNAP for food, so more of your cash can go to basics.
- Ask about Emergency Assistance if you lost your things in a fire or flood.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/
Questions people ask a lot
Where can I find no cost clothes in New Jersey?
Dial 211, or ask your local shelter, day center or food pantry about clothing closets.
Where can I take a shower?
Many day centers and shelters have showers. Dial 211 to find one near you.
Can SNAP pay for soap or diapers?
No. SNAP can't be used for household supplies or paper products. Ask a pantry or diaper bank.
How do I find a warming center?
Check nj211.org/njcodeblue, or text NJCodeBlue to 898211.
Is there help if I lost everything in a fire?
If you get Work First New Jersey or SSI, Emergency Assistance may help with clothing. Ask your County Social Services Agency.
Sources: https://nj211.org/njcodeblue and https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items and https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/
You deserve to feel good
Taking care of yourself is never a small thing. You're doing great, friend.
Here is your County Social Services Agency and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
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
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.
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
Bergen Volunteers
What it offers A Bergen County nonprofit that connects neighbors with volunteer help.
How to reach Call 201.489.9454. 50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus.
Source https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/
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
Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits
What it offers Formerly called Welfare. Helps with SNAP, cash assistance and emergency help with shelter, food and medical needs.
How to reach Call Center 973.395.8000.
Source https://essexcountynj.org/welfare/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
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
WomenRising
What it offers Services for women and families in Hudson County.
How to reach Call 201.333.5700. 270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City.
Source https://www.womenrising.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Monmouth County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. After hours, dial 211.
How to reach Call 732.431.6000. 3000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, and 2405 Route 66, Ocean. 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.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
Ocean County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and emergency housing help. Offices in Toms River, Lakewood and Manahawkin.
How to reach Call 732.349.1500. After hours, dial 211 or call 877.652.1148. 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Source https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/socialservices/frmContact.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
Camden County Homelessness Services
What it offers The county lists local shelters. Men: Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, 856.966.0909. Men and women: Joseph's House, 856.246.1087. Women and families: Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, 856.963.0430.
How to reach Call ahead, or dial 211 after hours.
Source https://www.camdencounty.com/service/community-development/homelessness-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
Passaic County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Offices in Paterson, Haskell and Passaic.
How to reach Call 973.881.0100. 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson. Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
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 for this week
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What I need and where I'll get it
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
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If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. 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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