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 Transitional Services
NJDOC unit responsible for release planning for people leaving state prison. Under the Fair Release and Reentry Act, everyone released receives a portfolio with a temporary photo ID, duplicate Social Security card and birth certificate where eligible, an MVC non-driver ID where eligible, discharge papers, a medical summary, and transit tickets. Pre-release staff also start NJ FamilyCare applications 30 days before release and schedule county welfare visits for SNAP and Work First NJ.
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.
New Jersey Reentry Corporation
Case management for people returning from prison, jail, or addiction treatment, with sites in Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Carteret, Neptune City, and Toms River. Helps restore birth certificates, driver's licenses, and Social Security cards, file expungements, enroll in Medicaid and SNAP, connect to MAT, and get into job training at the Governor's Reentry Training and Employment Center.
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.
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.