Homeless Assistance in New Jersey

Homeless Assistance in New Jersey

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to New Jersey residents.

10,600+
People experiencing homelessness
300+
Assistance programs statewide
$185M+
Federal housing funds
21 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in New Jersey.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for New Jersey residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across New Jersey. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in New Jersey. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for New Jersey veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible New Jersey residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in New Jersey. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. New Jersey receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local New Jersey Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple New Jersey locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through New Jersey community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income New Jersey residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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New Jersey State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by New Jersey for residents experiencing homelessness.

NJ Special Needs Housing Program

State programs providing transitional housing, supportive services, and emergency shelter grants to homeless individuals across New Jersey’s 21 counties.

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TANF – New Jersey (WorkFirst NJ)

WorkFirst NJ provides cash assistance and job training for eligible NJ families. Apply online at NJHelps.org or at any local county welfare office.

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NJFamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid)

New Jersey’s Medicaid and CHIP program for low-income residents. Apply at NJFamilyCare.org or through GetCoveredNJ for all coverage options.

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New Jersey Housing Programs

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income New Jersey residents.

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New Jersey Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through New Jersey’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income New Jersey households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major New Jersey cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Newark

Covenant House New Jersey — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Newark area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Trenton

HomeFront — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Trenton area.

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Camden

Center for Family Services — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Camden area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in New Jersey.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in New Jersey. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in New Jersey. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. New Jersey benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. New Jersey has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • New Jersey Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for New Jersey veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in New Jersey.
Apply at New Jersey’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.