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 things are hard right now, I'm really glad you found this guide. You don't have to figure it all out today. We'll take it one step at a time, together.
Here is the easy first step in New Jersey: dial 211. A real person answers 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and can point you to shelter, food, rent help and more near you. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211.
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, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Start with whatever feels most urgent. If you need a safe place to sleep tonight, go to Guide 2.
If you need food today, go to Guide 4. If you're safe for now and just need a plan, these steps can help.
In New Jersey, most help runs through two front doors. The first is NJ 211, the statewide helpline. The second is your County Social Services Agency, which handles SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and NJ FamilyCare in each of the 21 counties. Every county's office is listed at the end of this guide.
Sources: https://nj211.org/get-help and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Your first steps, in order
- If you're in danger, call 911. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
- Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211, and say what you need most today.
- Call your County Social Services Agency, or apply online at NJHelps.gov.
- Gather the papers you have, like an ID, Social Security card and proof of income.
- Write down who you talked to, what they said and when to call back.
- Pick one next step for tomorrow. One step is enough.
What is 211, and how does it work?
NJ 211 is a statewide helpline that connects people with local help, like food, shelter, rent and utility help, child care and health care. NJ 211 says live help is there 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in many languages.
- Call 211. If 211 doesn't connect from your phone, call 877.652.1148. TTY users can dial 711 first.
- Text your ZIP code to 898211.
- Chat or search online at nj211.org, or email info@nj211.org.
NJ 211 is also New Jersey's State Homeless Hotline and its Home Energy Assistance Hotline. That means it's the number to call for emergency shelter after hours, on weekends and on holidays.
Sources: https://nj211.org/get-help and https://nj211.org/initiative/state-homeless-hotline
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in (your town or county). I need help with (shelter, food, rent, a bill)."
"Is there anything open today or tonight?"
"Who else should I call, and do I need to bring anything?"
"Can you text me those numbers?"
Here is an easy one
Save 211 and your county agency's number in your phone right now. If your phone dies, write them on paper too. Easy peasy!
Which guide do I need?
This is Guide 1 of 14 for New Jersey. The others go deeper on each topic:
- Guide 2: Emergency Shelter Tonight
- Guide 3: Housing Help
- Guide 4: Food
- Guide 5: Clothing and Hygiene
- Guide 6: Jobs and Job Training
- Guide 7: Health and Mental Health
- Guide 8: Domestic Violence Safety and Housing
- Guide 9: Veterans
- Guide 10: Youth and Young Adults
- Guide 11: Getting ID and Documents Back
- Guide 12: Phones and Internet
- Guide 13: Legal and Tenant Help
- Guide 14: How to Make Blessing Bags
How do I apply for benefits like SNAP and Medicaid?
New Jersey's NJHelps website lets you check what you may qualify for and then apply. The state says it covers three big programs:
- SNAP, for groceries. New Jersey's SNAP benefits come on the NJ Families First EBT card.
- Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), which gives monthly cash help, short term housing support, child care and job help. It includes TANF for families and General Assistance (GA) for adults without children.
- NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey's Medicaid and children's health coverage.
NJHelps says the screening takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and a full application takes about 20 to 45 minutes. You can also apply in person at your County Social Services Agency. For NJ FamilyCare questions, call 800.701.0710.
Sources: https://www.njhelps.gov/ and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/ and https://www.njfamilycare.org/
Say you just lost your job in Newark
Say you just lost your job and live in Newark. You could apply for unemployment with the New Jersey Department of Labor (see Guide 6), then use NJHelps.gov to screen for SNAP and NJ FamilyCare. The Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits, at 320 University Avenue in Newark, takes applications in person too. Its phone is 973.395.8000.
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://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Federal SNAP changes. The state says changes to federal law may affect SNAP eligibility, including the work rules for adults without dependents. If you get a letter about SNAP, read it right away and call your county agency with questions.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
How do I get my ID and papers back?
An ID makes almost everything easier, from benefits to jobs to housing. In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses a 6 Points of ID system.
You bring papers that add up to 6 points, plus proof of your address. Guide 11 walks you through it, step by step, including how to get a birth certificate.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/mvc/license/6pointid.htm
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A phone helps landlords, job offers and caseworkers reach you. If your bill is a struggle, the federal Lifeline program can lower it.
Libraries across New Jersey offer computers and WiFi too. Guide 12 has the details.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
Write it down
Keep a little notebook. Each time you call somewhere, write the date, the name of the person and what they said. It really helps when you call back. You've got this!
Where can I get help right away?
- Shelter tonight: during business hours, call your County Social Services Agency. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, dial 211. See Guide 2.
- Food today: the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Fulfill and the Food Bank of South Jersey help you find pantries near you. See Guide 4.
- Domestic violence: call the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.572.7233, any time. See Guide 8.
- Mental health: call or text 988, any time. NJ MentalHealthCares, the state's mental health information line, is at 866.202.4357. See Guide 7.
- Drug or alcohol help: ReachNJ answers 24/7 at 844.732.2465. See Guide 7.
- Young people: 2NDFLOOR is a youth helpline you can call or text 24/7 at 888.222.2228. See Guide 10.
Sources: https://njcedv.org/ and https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/about-us/ and https://nj.gov/humanservices/reachnj/ and https://www.2ndfloor.org/
Questions people ask a lot
Is 211 really open all night?
Yes. NJ 211 says live help is there 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Can I text 211 in New Jersey?
Yes. Text your ZIP code to 898211.
Where do I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?
Online at NJHelps.gov, or in person at your County Social Services Agency.
What is Work First New Jersey?
It's New Jersey's cash help program. It includes TANF for families and General Assistance for adults without children.
Who do I call about NJ FamilyCare?
Call 800.701.0710.
Who is Bunklow?
Bunklow is a team that makes plain language guides to help people find local help. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties.
Sources: https://nj211.org/get-help and https://www.njhelps.gov/ and https://www.njfamilycare.org/
I'm really glad you're here
Asking for help takes courage. 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.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
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
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk, and for people calling on their behalf. Staff connect you to your nearest VA homeless program.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838.
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
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
MyNJHelps
What it offers The state's online screener and application for help such as SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare.
How to reach Apply at https://www.mynjhelps.gov/
Source https://www.mynjhelps.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Work First New Jersey
What it offers The state's cash assistance program for families and single adults with low incomes, with job training and support. Ask your county social services agency about Emergency Assistance if you are homeless or about to lose housing.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/workfirstnj/
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/workfirstnj/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ DCA Housing Assistance
What it offers The state Department of Community Affairs runs programs that prevent homelessness and help people move from shelter into stable housing, including the Homelessness Prevention Program, Housing Choice Vouchers and the State Rental Assistance Program.
How to reach Apply for the Homelessness Prevention Program through the county agency listed on the state page. The Office of Homelessness Prevention is at 609.376.0811. For help right away, call or text 211. Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml
Source https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across New Jersey, including housing and public benefits problems.
How to reach Call 888.576.5529. Apply online at https://www.lsnjlawhotline.org/
Source https://www.lsnj.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 Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, General Assistance, TANF and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance.
How to reach Call 201.368.4200. 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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.
Women Aware
What it offers The domestic violence service agency for Middlesex County. Emergency shelter and other services are private and at no cost.
How to reach 24 hour hotline 732.249.4504 or 833.249.4504. Office 732.249.4900.
Source https://womenaware.net/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance.
How to reach Call 732.745.3500. 181 How Lane, New Brunswick. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
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
Essex Newark Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Essex County since 1966.
How to reach Call 973.624.4500. Apply at https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.org/
Source https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.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 County Welfare Agency
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and other county help in Hudson County.
How to reach Call 201.420.3000.
Source https://www.hcnj.us/
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.
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
Fulfill (FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties)
What it offers Food through more than 300 pantries and soup kitchens in Monmouth and Ocean counties, plus mobile pantries and a no cost culinary job training program.
How to reach Find a pantry or mobile pantry at https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/ or call 732.918.2600.
Source https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/
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.
Union County (Elizabeth and Plainfield)
Here are some places to start.
Union County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. Offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.
How to reach Elizabeth: 342 Westminster Avenue, 908.965.2700. Plainfield: 200 West 2nd Street, 908.791.7000.
Source https://ucnj.org/dhs/social-services/ss-contact/
Last checked October 22, 2026
YWCA Union County
What it offers 24 hour domestic violence hotline, emergency shelter and the Union County Family Justice Center.
How to reach Call 908.355.4357.
Source https://ywcaunioncounty.org/
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 Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare. Emergency Assistance can help people on GA, TANF or SSI with temporary shelter, rent help and utility deposits.
How to reach Call 856.225.8800. 101 Woodcrest Road, Suite 161, Cherry Hill, near the PATCO Woodcrest Station. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.camdencounty.com/service/social-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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
Jersey Battered Women's Service (JBWS)
What it offers 24 hour helplines, emergency shelter and crisis support for survivors and their children in Morris and Passaic counties.
How to reach Morris: 877.782.2873. Passaic: 973.881.1450.
Source https://jbws.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Ask about mobile services if getting there is hard.
How to reach Call 973.326.7800. 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Dover office: 973.682.4990.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Jersey Battered Women's Service (JBWS)
What it offers 24 hour helplines, emergency shelter and crisis support for survivors and their children in Morris and Passaic counties.
How to reach Morris: 877.782.2873. Passaic: 973.881.1450.
Source https://jbws.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 first steps plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
What matters most right now
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
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.
Affordable living. Simplified
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