Finding safe and affordable housing can be overwhelming. Explore emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rental assistance, affordable housing, and tenant-support resources available to Essex County residents.

Need emergency shelter today?

Call NJ 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-652-1148. Assistance is free, confidential, multilingual, and avaliable 24/7. 

Emergency Housing and Financial Assistance

Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits

Eligible Essex County residents may receive Emergency Assistance for temporary shelter and certain housing-related needs. The office also administers cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits. 

Address: 320 University Avenue, Second Floor, Newark, NJ 070102 

Phone: 973-395-8000

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The last regular appointment is generally at 3:00 PM. 

Limited emergency services may be available from 3:00-5:00 PM.

Eligibility and available assistance vary. Residents should call before visiting. View official county social-service information 

NJ 211

NJ 211 connects residents with available emergency shelters, homelessness services, rental assistance, food, utilities, and other community programs.

Dial: 2-1-1

Alternate number: 1-877-652-1148

Availability: 24 hours a day

Shelter placement is based on eligibility and available space.

Rental and Homelessness Prevention

New Jersey Homelessness Prevention Program

May provide limited assistance with past-due rent to eligible households facing eviction because of a temporary financial crisis.

Applicants must meet income, residency, and documentation requirements.

Funding and application availability may change.

Assistance is not guaranteed.

Review homelessness-prevention programs

DCAid Screening Tool

Residents can complete a confidential online screening to identify housing, utility, weatherization, and other assistance programs they may qualify for.

Check potential program eligibility

Affordable Housing Resources

Newark Housing Authority

Provides public housing, Housing Choice Voucher programs, senior housing, disability-accessible housing, and other affordable-housing opportunities within Newark.

Customer Service: 973-273-6000

Address: 500 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Occupancy Department: 973-273-6127

Waiting lists open and close according to availability.

View Newark Housing Authority programs

Waiting-list notice: A housing authority’s general or property-specific waiting lists may be closed. Check the official website before attempting to apply and never pay someone to place you on a waiting list.

New Jersey Housing Resource Center

Search free listings for affordable, subsidized, accessible, temporary, and market-rate housing.

Housing search assistance: 1-877-428-8844

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Search available housing

Tenant and Eviction Legal Help

Low-income New Jersey residents may qualify for free civil legal assistance with eviction or landlord-tenant concerns.

Legal Services of New Jersey: 1-888-576-5529

NJ Courts landlord-tenant information: View tenant court resources

Before You Call:

Have these items available when possible:

• Photo ID

• Proof of Essex County residency

• Lease or rental agreement

• Eviction notice or court paperwork

• Proof of household income

• Rent ledger or statement showing the amount owed

• Social Security numbers for household members

• Information about your current housing situation

Please note: Housing programs have eligibility requirements, limited funding, and changing availability. LCCI provides resource navigation and referrals but cannot guarantee financial assistance, shelter placement, or housing approval.