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

Need emergency shelter today?

Dial 2-1-1 to enter Middlesex County’s coordinated housing system. Residents receiving GA or TANF may also contact the Middlesex County Board of Social Services at 732-745-3500. 

Emergency Housing and Financial Assistance

Middlesex County Board of Social Services

Eligible Middlesex County residents may receive Emergency Assistance for temporary shelter and certain housing-related needs. Assistance may include overdue rent or mortgage payments, utility assistance, or temporary shelter placement.

Emergency Assistance applications are generally completed by telephone. Limited in-person interviews may be available by appointment.

Address: 181 How Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Main phone: 732-745-3500
Toll-free: 1-800-762-4252
Emergency Assistance: 732-745-4558
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:15 PM
Email: Services@mid-boss.com

Eligibility and available assistance vary. Residents should call before visiting.

 View Middlesex County Emergency Assistance

NJ 211 and Coordinated Housing Access

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

Emergency shelters frequently operate at full capacity. Referrals and placement depend on eligibility, household needs, prioritization, and available space.

 Coming Home of Middlesex County 

Domestic Violence Emergency Housing

Women Aware operates Middlesex County’s domestic-violence emergency shelter and provides confidential crisis support.

24-hour hotline: 732-249-4504
Toll-free: 833-249-4504

Immediate danger: Call 911.

 Women Aware housing services

Rental and Homelessness Prevention

New Jersey Homelessness Prevention Program

The Homelessness Prevention Program may provide limited assistance with past-due rent to eligible households facing eviction because of a temporary financial crisis.

Puerto Rican Association for Human Development

Phone: 732-638-2814

Applicants must meet income, residency, documentation, and program requirements.

Funding and application availability may change. Assistance is not guaranteed.

Review homelessness-prevention programs

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Catholic Charities is listed as Middlesex County’s homelessness-prevention and rapid-rehousing provider.

Phone: 732-826-6278

Services depend on eligibility, available funding, household circumstances, and program capacity.

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

Middlesex County Housing Division

The Middlesex County Division of Housing, Community Development and Social Services administers Section 8 rental assistance, HOME programs, and other housing initiatives intended primarily for lower-income households.

Phone: 732-745-3025
Address: 75 Bayard Street, Second Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

View Middlesex County housing programs

Waiting-list notice: Housing programs and property-specific waiting lists may be closed. Contact the responsible agency directly for current information, and never pay someone to place you on a housing 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 Middlesex 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.