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).
HomeFront
Mercer County agency sheltering more than 450 people a night, most of them children, with free grocery bags, job placement and diploma programs, and trauma-informed child care at its Lawrenceville campus.
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.
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.
WomenRising
Hudson County's domestic violence agency, headquartered in Jersey City. Runs a 24-hour hotline plus permanent supportive housing, youth and family programs, and workforce development. Office walk-ins welcome during business hours.
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley
Camden nonprofit operating residential community release programs (Hope Hall, Fletcher House, Garrett House) for people finishing state sentences, the PROMISE program for returning citizens with mental illness, addiction treatment, and homeless services. Use the online service finder or call to be matched to a program.
Joseph's House of Camden
Low-barrier overnight shelter in Camden serving more than 75 women and men every night of the year, with meals, showers, laundry, case management, and connections to medical care.
Rescue Mission of Trenton
Trenton's emergency shelter and behavioral health center, with outreach, supportive housing, medical respite, a food pantry, vocational development, and the New Direction residential recovery program. Call the main line and ask for Emergency Services or Behavioral Health.
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.
International Rescue Committee in New Jersey
Elizabeth-based resettlement office serving refugees and asylees across northern New Jersey with housing help, benefits enrollment, refugee cash assistance, job placement, ESOL and digital literacy classes, mental health support, and low-cost immigration legal services.
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.