Emergency shelters in New Jersey provide crucial support to individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, or sudden housing crises. They not only offer temporary shelter but also essential services such as counseling, case management, and access to permanent housing solutions.
Find emergency shelters and related resources in New Jersey, especially for those who are homeless, displaced, or in crisis. For immediate assistance and referrals to shelters anywhere in New Jersey, the best option is to call 2-1-1: this is a statewide homeless hotline that operates 24/7 and can connect you with local shelters, drop-in centers, and other services.
Emergency Hotline & Referral
NJ 2-1-1 Homeless Hotline: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800-435-7555 in some areas) for immediate information on shelters, Code Blue activations (emergency shelter locations during winter), and connections to housing and community services.
Veterans: Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).
Youth/Runaways: Call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
Domestic Violence: Call the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233 or the Women Rising Domestic Violence Hotline at (201) 333-5700.
Disaster Relief: The American Red Cross offers tools to find shelters at Disaster Shelters | Find Shelters | American Red Cross and can be reached at (800) 507-6058.
Country-wise Emergency Shelters in New Jersey
Below you will find specific resources and emergency shelters in various New Jersey counties. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability and admission procedures, as many programs require referrals.
Northern New Jersey (Hudson, Essex, Bergen Counties)
St. Lucy’s Emergency Shelter
Location: 619 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Phone: (201) 656-7201
Serves: Single men and women (age 21+); offers food, clothing, showers, and case management.
Hope House (operated by Catholic Charities)
Location: 246 Second Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 420-1070
Serves: Mothers with their children; limited space, so calling ahead is required.
Covenant House New Jersey
Location: 330 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: (973) 621-8705
Serves: Homeless and trafficked youth.
The Newark YMCA’s Emergency Residence Shelter
Location: 600 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
Serves: Individuals and families; offers housing, meals, and support services.
Southern New Jersey (Camden, Gloucester, Mercer Counties)
Aletha R. Wright “Vision of Hope” Center – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley
Location: 271 Atlantic Avenue, Camden, NJ 08104
Phone: (856) 966-0909
Serves: Single adult men.
Eleanor Corbett House – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley
Location: 355 Union Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Phone: (856) 881-5550
Serves: Single women and families in Gloucester County.
HomeFront
Phone: (609) 989-9417
Serves: Mercer County residents; provides emergency food, shelter, and other assistance.
Central New Jersey (Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset Counties)
Lunch Break, Family Promise of Monmouth County
Phone: (732) 495-1050
Serves: Families with children in Monmouth County.
Ozanam Homeless Shelter
Location: 89 Truman Dr, Edison, NJ
Phone: (732) 985-0327
Serves: Families and single women; offers meals, case management, and health assessments.
Agape House
Phone: (908) 707-9753
Serves: Single adults and families in Somerset County.
Who Can Stay in an Emergency Shelter in New Jersey?
Eligibility depends on the shelter. Some shelters accept anyone who needs help, while others focus on specific groups, such as families or women. Many shelters require proof of residency in New Jersey, but some do not, especially during emergencies.
You may be asked to provide basic information, such as:
- Your name and age
- Whether you have children
- Any immediate safety concerns
- Any health or mobility needs
Most shelters do not require payment. They are intended for people with little to no income.
How to Find an Emergency Shelter in New Jersey
If you need shelter immediately, New Jersey offers several ways to help you find one quickly. Local agencies can direct you to the nearest available shelter.
You can start by:
- Calling 2-1-1 in New Jersey, a free and confidential helpline
- Contacting your county’s Board of Social Services
- Contacting local churches or community organizations
- Going to a hospital social worker or a police station during emergencies
During periods of extreme cold or heat, New Jersey may open additional shelters or warming/cooling centers.
