Somerset County New Jersey Salvation Army programs.
Short and long term assistance is provided by the Somerset County Salvation Army. The church based, Christian organization provides food from a pantry, gently used clothes, Christmas toys, and limited financial help in an emergency. Not only may those basic needs be given, but support is arranged for youth and the unemployed in the New Jersey community.
The programs focus on solving a crisis. They may be able to serve a hot meal or give a free box of groceries. Families with an eviction notice or that are about to have their water shut off (or electricity) can receive one time rent or energy bill help. The Somerset County Salvation Army also helps during the holiday and back to school seasons by passing out toys, serving Christmas meals, and distributing free school supplies. All of this is part of the Seasonal Service. This (and more) may be offered in the Bound Brook region.
Resources available from Somerset County Salvation Army
They are extensive. The programs are paid for using a combination of sales from the thrift store, money raised from donations, as well as United Way grants. All of this is used to pay for the charities operating costs as well as the assistance programs they operate.
At the thrift store (which also serves as the Somerset County clothing bank), the Salvation Army provides basic needs. The Family Store will sell gently used items throughout the community. Everything from furniture to household appliances, fans during the summer, medical equipment, and clothes may be available.
Vouchers, or free items, are available at the clothing closet. Note this is an emergency service only. Therefore it can help people recovering from a disaster. Or if a Somerset County resident is sick or had an unexpected job loss, maybe the Salvation Army will give them free winter coats, clothing, or more.
The vulnerable and very low income can seek help from social services. This is the Somerset County Salvation Army program that may be able to assist with financial needs. The center will require proof of income from all sources, details on the crisis, and more. Case managers will assist on a first come and served basis until the money runs out, and there are often a backlog of cases to fulfill.
When qualified, social services may offer help for the following living expenses. Clients have been done to get a voucher to pay for some of any needed prescription drugs. Or when the alternative is homelessness, a low income family may be given funds for rent or utilities. There is also of course the Salvation Army free food pantry, which is heavily used. The application process is strict, and funds are limited.
Homeless in Somerset County may also try social services. The center will provide them information on shelter or serve a hot lunch or breakfast. Or if they need a free sleeping bag or blanket, that may be given from the thrift store.
Somerset County Salvation Army adult and youth development is also arranged. This is for a parent that is going through a difficult time, or mentoring may be arranged for teenagers and youth. It can also help parents seeking free child care vouchers. The different components of this type of support may be as follows.
-Summer camps are set up in the region for students during the summer months.
-Parents can enroll into job placement or training services.
-Salvation Army Somerset County after school programs can provide information (or event their own) affordable after school or day care programs.
-Single moms can get the support they need, and staff also help those impacted by domestic violence.
-The center at Bound Brook has computers for use.
-Mary of the Centers in New Jersey has child care, including pre-school. The Bound Brook location can give referrals.
The process is holistic in nature, in which all needs of the parent or their child are reviewed. Not only will general case management be arranged, but of course the Salvation Army arranges worship for those who want it. However this is by no means mandatory.
For more information on their programs for struggling families, call (732) 748-1146. In some cases a message service may be set up. Also, the main office is at 108 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ 08805.
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