Housing Counseling
This program offers free HUD-certified housing counseling services for those experiencing homelessness and renters who live in Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union Counties. Our office is located in East Orange but we can meet at a mutually agreed upon location. Catholic Charities provides counseling programs that address a wide range of financial and housing challenges.
How does it Work?
Housing Counselors provide helpful information about programs and resources that are available to those experiencing homelessness and renters. We provide education about homelessness prevention, fair housing, tenant / landlord laws and so much more. We provide information regarding emergency shelters, emergency services and transitional housing and lease terms; rent delinquency and budgeting for rent payments. As part of the counseling process, counselors will ask questions and collect specific information from clients to develop a customized counseling plan specific to the needs of the client. The counseling plan may include individualized or group counseling services.
Phone: (973) 266-7942 or (862) 233-3293
Parish Access Centers (PAC) – Rental Assistance
The Essex-Union PAC and the Hudson-Bergen PAC build strong partnerships among Catholic Charities, the parish communities, and the community by connecting people with the services they need. The programs help people to identify and access community services and provide emergency assistance to families in economic crisis.
(800) 227-7413 – Free, personalized information and referral services.
Locations:
2201 Bergenline Avenue Union City, NJ 07387 • Phone: (201) 325-4813
505 South Avenue East Cranford, NJ 07016 • Phone: (908) 497-3966
47 Miller Street Newark, NJ 07114 • Phone: (973) 266-7991
Port Authority Homeless Outreach
Year round, a team of trained outreach staff conduct nightly sweeps of the four Jersey City PATH stations to engage homeless persons seeking refuge from the elements. They are offered a place to sleep at St. Lucy’s shelter in Jersey City, as well as services, referrals and information to break the cycle of homelessness.