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Social Services

Starbuyer Homebuying Program

You are cordially invited to the upcoming Linden Homeownership Center’s (LHOC) Financial Literacy and Pre-homeownership Orientation workshop hosted by Neighborhood for a Sustainable Future (N4SF) with community partners United Way, Columbia Bank, and Valley Bank in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor of Linden, New Jersey.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer.

  • What: Starbuyer Homebuying Program. Set up your finances for home ownership! this workshop will provide tips to: get ready to buy a home, build financial stability, create a budget and manage expenses, and make your money work for you and set up long-term success. Learn all about becoming a homeowner. We will guide you in: the homebuying process, understanding mortgages, and qualifying for a first-time homebuyer program. Discover the steps to owning a home and building generational wealth.
  • When: Saturday April 26, 2025 from 11am until 1pm.
  • Where: Linden Homeownership Center – LHOC (N4SF) located at 1120 East St. Georges Ave Unit 4.
  • How: Click here to register. Join our in-person Financial Literacy and Homeownership Workshop. For more information please contact the LHOC (N4SF) office at 908-808-4035 or United Way of Greater Union County located at 219 Central Avenue Rahway, New Jersey 07065 or call at 908-353-7171 Ext. 104 or 908-469-2963 or 908-469-2962.

Code Blue Alert

The Union County Board of Commissioners has announced a Code Blue sheltering due to predicted severe weather conditions from January 15 through January 24. Individuals and families seeking shelter MUST go to the Union County Division of Social Services for Code Blue placement during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 3pm to be screened and placed. Office addresses are:

After 3pm weekdays, and on weekends and holidays, referrals and persons seeking Code Blue placement should dial the NJ Homeless Hotline at 211, or (817) 652 – 1148.

State Rental Assistance Program

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) opens the waitlist and are accepting pre-applications for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). Apply now!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the key details for this event.

  • Who: NJ residents who meet eligibility criteria are invited to apply with preference given to qualified veterans, elderly, families, disabled, and homeless.
  • What: The New Jersey State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a state funded program that provides housing subsidies on behalf of very low-income New Jersey residents, for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Persons applying must meet all applicable SRAP income and eligibility requirements. A total of 6,000 households will be selected through a lottery system to be placed on the State Rental Assistance Program waiting list. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older or be an emancipated minor to apply. Please note that only New Jersey residents are eligible to apply for SRAP assistance. 
  • When: The open enrollment period begins on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9am and ends on January 31, 2025 at 5pm.
  • How: Click here to apply online and click here for the program details. For more information or assistance, please call the NJDCA assistance line at (609) 292-4080, then choose option 9. They are available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Union County Utility Assistance Day

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is hosting a Union County Utility Assistance Day.

  • What: Union County Utility Assistance Day. NJBPU invites Union County residents to attend this free event to learn more about utility assistance programs and resources available to help with the cost of their electric, water, and gas utility bills. For more information about New Jersey’s utility assistance programs please visit NJBPU’s utility assistance website. Residents in danger of shut off can apply for assistance and call their utility company to request a payment plan. NJBPU’s Customer Assistance hotline can be reached at 800-624-0241.
  • Where: Mickey Walker Center, which is located at 860 Anna Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201.
  • When: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 9am until 3:30pm.

COVID-19 Recovery Emergency Food Distribution

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Village Super Market of Springfield Township and Gargiulo Produce are providing a drive through only food distribution event to all Union County residents affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, December 17, 2023. Click here or text “FindFood” for English, or text “Comida” for Spanish to 908-224-7776 to find helpful information quickly.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.

  • Who: Union County residents only.
  • What: Drive-through emergency food distribution hosted by the County of Union. The first 2,000+ persons will receive a special holiday food box produce with all the trimmings on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • When: Saturday, December 17, at 8am.
  • Where: Kean University, which is located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
  • How: One food distribution per vehicle, while supplies last. Refrigerate any perishable items shortly after distribution. Please make sure to clear out the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival to make room for food boxes. Bring one (1) proof of Union County residency, NJ residency (Utility bill, Driver’s license, ID card). Event will take place rain or shine. With any questions, or for more information, please email the DHS Action Line or call 908-677-5405.

Self Care Sunday

Self Care Sunday, a festival for Mental Health Action Day is back! In partnership with MTV and others, the County of Union invites you and your family to join us to partake in more than twenty self-care tools including Yoga, Sound Bath, Dance Fitness, Basketball, Art and more!  Mental health resources and professionals will be on site to help you tap into your best version of self.

Click here to view and/or download the Self Care Sunday flyer.

  • What: Self-Care Sunday, a festival for Mental Health Action Day with over twenty self-care tools, games and prizes! Mental health resources and professionals will be on site to help you tap into your best version of self.
  • When: May 21, from 12pm until 5pm.
  • Where: Rahway River Park, which is located at Saint Georges Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065.
  • How: Free event. Click here to learn more about rhe event and register.

Rent and Utilities Assistance Enrollment Event

The Union County Board of Commissioners will be hosting a Rent and Utility Assistance Enrollment Event.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Rent and Utilities Assistance Enrollment Event.

  • Who: Must reside within Union County, be an adult listed on your signed lease agreement, reside in a rental property, and have had your household experience income/financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19.
  • What: Rent and utility assistance enrollment event.
  • Where: Room K517 in the Union College Kellogg Building, which is located at 40 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
  • When:
    • March 24, 2023 from 12pm until 6pm.
    • March 25, 2023 from 9am until 2pm.
  • How: Registration required. No walk-ins! Click here to register, or call 888-998-2432. Click here to visit the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program website.

SNAP Benefits to Change Starting March 1st, 2023

Important update for SNAP households:

  • Emergency extra SNAP benefits expire February 28, 2023.
  • Due to a recent change in federal law, the extra temporary benefits SNAP recipients have received, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, is coming to an end.
  • This means the regular SNAP benefit will resume starting March 1, 2023. The minimum monthly SNAP benefit in New Jersey is now $50.
  • For more information, click here.
  • To view and/or download the NJ SNAP benefits infographic, click here.