Family Assistance Center

Households in need of emergency assistance can obtain help through the following four programs.

Food Assistance

Emergency food assistance is available to qualifying households. Food cards are distributed based on family size. Cardholders may shop at any ShopRite or Pathmark grocery store in Middlesex County, or at two kosher delis: Glatt 27 in Highland Park or Galaxy in Old Bridge.

Rent/Mortgage Assistance

Emergency rent or mortgage assistance can be provided to a qualifying household one time in a fiscal year. The applicant must be at least two months behind in rent or mortgage to qualify, and must make a minimum payment of $25 toward the debt before assistance can be provided. Also, the applicant must be able to demonstrate an ability to pay independently going forward.

Rental Assistance – For those seeking rental assistance, a copy of the lease agreement is required. If the landlord is a family member or friend, that person must provide a notarized letter stating how long the tenant has resided in the rental unit, the monthly rent amount, and the total amount due. Other rules apply for tenants who are in court over tenant issues. Those who receive Section 8 funding or state-provided temporary rental assistance do not qualify, nor do those who reside in public housing.

Mortgage Assistance – The homeowner must provide a copy of the mortgage statement. If the house is already in foreclosure and the homeowner is not able to pay the difference between what’s owed and JRF assistance, then assistance cannot be provided. Also, if the homeowner will be unable to pay going forward, assistance will be denied.

Utilities Assistance

Emergency utility assistance is available to qualifying households from June through October. The applicant must make a minimum $25 payment toward the debt, unless payment to the utility was made within the last 30 days. To be considered, the applicant must have received a shut-off notice from the utility company, or be more than $500 in arrears on utility payments. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate an ability to pay going forward.

Note: During the months of November to May, JRF will not provide utility assistance. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs helps people with emergency utility bill payment in those months.

Clothing Assistance

Limited emergency clothing purchases are available to qualifying households in a given fiscal year. Funds will be granted for children in need of back-to-school clothes, or for replacement of clothing destroyed by fire or another disaster.

Funding

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Resources

More Information

To learn more about Community Action assistance programs or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 324-2180 or info@jrfnj.org. Appointments can be scheduled Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.