Help in New Jersey
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 22 places in New Jersey, most of them in Camden, Trenton and Lawrenceville, plus 15 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (12) and after prison or jail (10).
NJ 211
Free information and referral line that points New Jersey residents to housing, food, utility, health, and disaster assistance programs. Specialists search a database of more than 6,300 government and nonprofit programs. Also reachable by text, chat, and an online directory.
Office of Adolescent Services
State office for teens and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Runs the NJ Youth Resource Spot, where youth check eligibility for Wraparound Funds and the Independent Living Stipend, plus LifeSet case management, the Foster Care Scholars program for college and trade certification, and the Connecting YOUth Project for youth facing homelessness after child welfare involvement.
2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline
Confidential helpline for New Jersey youth and young adults dealing with any problem, including housing instability, family conflict, or leaving care. Counselors listen and make local referrals; an anonymous message board is also available.
NJ SNAP and Work First New Jersey
New Jersey's food assistance (SNAP) and cash assistance (Work First NJ) programs, administered through county welfare agencies. Apply online at NJHelps or at your county board of social services; WFNJ can also cover child care, transportation, and emergency assistance.
Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
State office that issues certified New Jersey birth certificates (records from 1925 on). Same-day service at the Trenton walk-in center; orders also accepted by mail or through VitalChek online and by phone. Walk-in center no longer accepts cash.
Non-Driver ID and 6 Points of ID
How to get a New Jersey non-driver photo ID or driver license. Applicants must present paper documents totaling six points of identification, proof of NJ address (one for standard, two for REAL ID), and a Social Security number, ITIN, or affidavit, plus form BA-208. Appointments are scheduled online.
Covenant House New Jersey
Newark crisis shelter and Youth Engagement Center for young people facing homelessness, with beds, meals, showers, laundry, and longer-term housing, job training, mental health, and legal help. Also runs a 24-hour statewide call center for human trafficking survivors of any age. Everything is free.
Legal Services of New Jersey
Free civil legal aid for low-income New Jerseyans through the statewide LSNJLAW hotline and online intake. Help with eviction, public benefits, family matters, and expungement guidance; self-help materials at lsnjlaw.org in English and Spanish.
National lines that work in New Jersey
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.