Housing Services

As the only sheltering program for displaced children and their families in Hunterdon County, we exist to end childhood homelessness. We are committed to keeping families together. We faced a set of unique and unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. With multiple surges, our network of congregations has decreased due to safety concerns, and the increase in families experiencing housing instability. We were charged with rethinking our traditional sheltering model of utilizing unused spaces within our network of houses of worship to utilizing hotel lodging. Our ability to pivot during COVID allowed us to help more displaced Hunterdon County residents especially those affected by Tropical Storm Ida and a neighborhood fire. However, we needed a more permanent solution.

There is a necessity for a residential facility to accommodate the immediate need for transitioning families experiencing housing loss, whether it be by natural disaster or crisis. For this reason, we have entered into a partnership with Calvary Episcopal Church in Flemington to utilize their Annex and covert it to a four-bedroom residential support center for families experiencing homelessness.

When people think of homelessness, they often picture individuals living on the street or in their cars. However, homelessness is a much more nuanced issue, and one that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

This facility will serve as bridge housing for families displaced from permanent housing, addressing an emergent need for temporary housing in our Hunterdon County. The Promise Center aims to immediately transition vulnerable families out of homelessness in order to provide a stable experience. We address the issue holistically, providing prevention services before families and individuals reach crisis and provide intensive case management when families become homeless.

Volunteers from our partner congregations will continue to cook and serve meals, as well as lending their passion and expertise to help our guests get back on their feet. This dedicated community of over 1,000 volunteers proves that a motivated community can solve homelessness — and in the process, they truly create “home” for those who have nowhere else to turn.

Once they have a steady income (if applicable), we work with them to find a permanent residence. We provide stabilization programs once they have secured housing to ensure they remain independent. This comprehensive approach ensures that families have the support they need to rebuild their lives. As a result, we are able to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who come to us for help.

The Promise Center is a short-term accommodation that helps people ‘bridge’ the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. On-site and in-reach supports are offered to assist individuals with meeting basic needs, while individuals work with community supports to secure permanent housing as rapidly as possible.  Residents stay for an average of 30 to 90 days before moving on to housing that works for them.

GUESTS BENEFIT:

- Families stay together
- About 90% of our families maintain permanent housing
- Families meet many volunteers who become friends, mentors and provide a valuable support network

VOLUNTEERS BENEFIT:

- Opportunity to help families directly, to feel that you can make a difference in someone’s life locally
- Rare chance for families to volunteer together, even with young children
- A meaningful, and desperately needed volunteer opportunity

HOST SITES BENEFIT:

- Opportunity for outreach to work with the needs of people in their own community
- Increased sense of community among members as they work together in a shared mission
- Excellent way to make use of under-utilized space

COMMUNITIES BENEFIT:

- Cost-efficient mobilization of community resources
- Provides an alternative to institutionalized shelter as a solution to homelessness
- Neighbors are caring for neighbors – increased awareness about the issue of poverty

If you are in need of housing services, please contact our office at (908) 782-2490

After 4:30pm – Call 211 for assistance.