Catholic Charities of NJ – Emergency Assistance

Housing & Financial · New Jersey · Free

Catholic Charities of NJ provides emergency rent, utility, and food assistance for families in financial crisis across NJ dioceses, regardless of religion or background. Call 973-596-4100 to locate the nearest office. Multiple NJ locations; office hours vary by site. Services are open to anyone in need. Bring documentation of your housing situation, income, and the amount owed when seeking emergency rental or utility assistance. Food pantry services also available at many locations without income requirements.

Contact & Details

Address: Multiple NJ locations

Phone: 973-596-4100

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

More Housing & Financial in New Jersey

  • NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) — State agency providing affordable housing programs, first-time homebuyer assistance, down payment and closing cost programs, and foreclosure
  • NJ Department of Community Affairs — State department overseeing housing assistance, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, homelessness prevention, LIHEAP energy assistance, and co
  • La Casa de Don Pedro (Newark) — HUD-certified housing counseling agency serving Newark since 1972 with pre-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, rental assi
  • NJ Citizen Action - Housing Counseling — HUD-certified housing counseling organization offering pre-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, credit improvement, and bud
  • Isles Inc (Trenton) — HUD-certified community development organization offering free homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention, financial literacy workshop
  • Paterson Task Force for Community Action — Passaic County community action agency providing HUD-certified housing counseling, emergency shelter referrals, temporary financial assistan

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?
Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?
211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?
Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.