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Assistance

Hurricane Ida Resources

  • Senator Booker’s dedicated page with Hurricane Ida resources can be accessed here. The page will be regularly updated as more information and resources become available. 
  • Individual Assistance – Assistance to individuals and households. Individuals in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties can apply with FEMA by applying online here or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
  • Homeowner/Tenant Expectations when applying for help from FEMA.
  • Public Assistance – Assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities.
  • Small Business Disaster Assistance: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to New Jersey businesses and residents. For more information and to apply, click here.

NJEDA Board Approves $10.5 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses to Support Recovery from Tropical Storms Henri and Ida


Will provide grants up to $5,000 to storm-impacted businesses/non-profits with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees

TRENTON, N.J. (September 8, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the approval of the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program at a special meeting of its Board held earlier today.  The $10.5 million program will provide grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for businesses and non-profits that suffered physical damage from the effects of recent tropical storms Henri and Ida.

The approval follows Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement of preliminary details of the program last week. The NJEDA has been tasked with creating and administering the program, which will provide short-term, immediate rent/mortgage reimbursement support to New Jersey businesses and non-profits with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees that suffered physical damage from Tropical Storm Henri on August 22nd and 23rd, or from Tropical Storm Ida on September 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2021.

More information about the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program is available here.

“Countless New Jersey businesses endured the wrath of Tropical Storms Henri and Ida in recent weeks, and today’s action by the NJEDA’s Board will allow us to move swiftly to help those businesses in need,” said Governor Murphy. “Time is clearly of the essence and we are determined to get funds out to businesses and non-profits as quickly as possible.”

The Henri/Ida Grant Program is designed to assist businesses and non-profits impacted by tropical storms Henri and Ida. The Program will provide grants from $1,000 up to $5,000 to New Jersey-based small businesses and non-profits that have up to 50 full-time equivalent employees as reported on their last WR-30 form (Q2 2021) with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) and have a commercial location in the State that suffered physical damage as a result of tropical storms Henri and Ida. Of the $10.5 million available for the program, $10 million will be available for grants for businesses and non-profits impacted by Ida and $500,000 will be set aside for businesses and non-profits impacted by Henri.

Landlords and home-based businesses are not eligible for grant funding through this program. To be eligible, the applying entity must:

  • Provide certification of an unmet need due to damage and/or business interruption.
  • This includes, but is not limited to, flooding, interior or exterior damage to the building structure, roof damage, and siding damage, all of which are directly related to tropical storm Henri and Ida. Loss of power alone will not be considered physical damage.
  • Provide documentation of physical damage to the applicant’s physical commercial location.
  • Have been in operation on August 1, 2021.
  • Present a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Submit recent wage reporting form (WR30), if applicable.
  • Submit evidence of an August rent/mortgage payment of at least $1,000 as well as have a need that is greater than $1,000.
  • Be registered to do business in the State of New Jersey, as evidenced by a valid Business Registration Certificate.
  • Be in good standing with the Department of Taxation and DOL, and if applicable, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Department of Children and Families, and/or the Department of Human Services.
  • Complete an affidavit identifying all funding sources related to recovery from tropical storms Henri and Ida, including prior grants, insurance, and Small Business Administration loans and grants.
  • Comply with any additional requirements that may apply.

Grants will be provided in the form of reimbursement of August rent or mortgage ($1,000 minimum rent eligibility). To ensure grants reach businesses in the hardest hit communities, including communities of color, one-third of the $10 million in funding available through the program will be targeted to businesses with a primary business location within the 715 census tracts designated as eligible to be selected as an Opportunity Zone.

“The NJEDA shares Governor Murphy’s sense of urgency as we work to provide support to small businesses and non-profits dealing with the impact of Henri and Ida,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “The need for assistance is particularly dire, as these storms occurred just as New Jersey was emerging from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s more critical than ever that we do our best to help impacted entities return to normal operations so they may continue their role as the economic drivers of New Jersey’s communities.”

The NJEDA has stressed to business owners and non-profit leaders the importance of thoroughly documenting all physical damage as they prepare to apply for assistance through this and any future programs, including taking clear photographs and saving receipts for repairs and associated materials.

Comprehensive information about the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program is available here. The NJEDA expects to launch an online application for the program at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17th here. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or click here. Follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Bottled Water Available For Linden Residents

New Jersey American Water customers in Clark, Linden and Roselle are advised that New Jersey American Water is providing bottled water at the following locations in Union County parks:

  • Linden customers – Warinanco Park Sports Center, 1 Park Park Drive in Roselle
  • Roselle customers – Warinanco Park Sports Center, 1 Park Park Drive in Roselle
  • Clark customers – Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark

Water will be available at both locations from 5pm until 10pm. on Tuesday, August 3rd and from 9am until 10pm on Wednesday, August 4th. Additional information can be found here.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

  • Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Your household qualifies for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if it has an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines OR any member of the household:

  • Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year; or
  • Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
  • Please see this link for more information.
  • To apply, click here.

Kean Tuition Promise

The new Kean Tuition Promise program promotes equity and expands access to Kean University and a world-class education for students across New Jersey. It makes it possible for deserving students to experience the life-changing effect of a college degree.

The Kean Tuition Promise program covers up to full tuition and fees for eligible students to attend Kean University and fulfill their dream of earning a college degree. The scholarship and grant package is awarded for four years of study for those who qualify.

For more information about this incredible program, please click here to view and/or download the details from Kean University.

Food Distribution Event – Saturday, October 3rd, 9am

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Village Super Market of Springfield Township, New Jersey and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey are providing this drive through only food distribution event to all Union County residents affected by COVID-19 on October 3rd at 9am.

Location

Cedar Brook Park – Park Avenue Entrance – Plainfield, NJ 07067

Event Details

  • First 2,000 vehicles will receive shelf-safe food and fresh produce on a first come, first served basis
  • One food distribution per vehicle, while supplies last
  • Please make sure to clear out the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival to make room for food bags
  • Bring one (1) proof of NJ residency, such as a utility bill, driver’s license, ID card, etc.
  • Event will take place rain or shine

Click here to view and/or download the event flyer in English and Spanish. With any questions, or for more information, please email the DHS Action Line or call them at 908 558 2288.

Homefirst Presents: Cooking at Home with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

Everyone is invited to this free virtual event. 

On October 14, 2020 at 12pm, join us online for our virtual cooking demo of some of our favorite treats. This session we will be making Honey-Ginger Fruit Dip. There will be a special prize drawing for participants! To sign up, follow the steps below.

  1. Click here.
  2. Click the Donate or Cook button
  3. Sign up with your name and email
  4. Enjoy the cooking demo on October 14th

Homefirst is hosting a home cooking demo in collaboration with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. Homefirst is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization combatting homelessness through access to transitional and permanent housing, client advocacy, and emergency funding in service to the Union County community for over 34 years.