Essex County’s 211 Info Help Line helps people find local resources
One of the leading agencies that is responsible for referring residents to financial assistance programs that are targeted to helping low-income families is the Essex County 211 Info Help Line support services. The non-profit is mostly funded by the United Way and its partners. It is of the primary gateways for residents seeking financial, social, and emergency support in Newark and the county. Learn more below on the accessible 24/7, confidential, and free service in Essex County NJ.
When residents face both short-term crises (such as sudden job loss or medical bills) and longer-term economic challenges (persistent low income, housing instability), 211’s Community Resource Specialists help navigate the sometimes complex network of social services and community nonprofits. Among resources available, the Newark NJ United organization has details on housing counseling, financial support for bills, referrals, and information on long term aid such as job placement. A number of other resources are also administered by the division.
211 helps Essex County families with utility and energy needs
In New Jersey, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) operates jointly with the Universal Service Fund (USF). Applicants in Essex County can apply online via the DCA’s portal starting each October or find other details on NJ LIHEAP program. 211 and local partner agencies assist residents with the application and documentation process.
The Home Energy Universal Services Program assists households that meet the federal government’s income guidelines. The program will help families with paying a portion of their home utility or energy bills. Initially, the eligible household from Essex County that is applying for help can’t be able to pay their utility bills on their own due to some form of hardship and/or uncontrollable circumstances.
- Using some funds that may be readily available, emergency assistance is paid out by the Info Help Line support services affiliated partners to income eligible clients. Note that anyone that applies for help needs to be able to pay their energy or heating bills on their own in the future. As this is one time only assistance.
Additional support is from the non-profit program known as New Jersey SHARE. This is a utility bill assistance program that helps low to moderate income households who do not qualify for federal government or state benefits, such as LIHEAP. The non-profit Info Help Line support services works with dozens of other local charities and groups in the state to provide grants to struggling families. 211 refers callers to NJ SHARES when applicable.
- In order to be eligible for this service, a form needs to be completed and then appointments are made. The client will need to meet with a Home Energy staff member of the Essex County Info Help Line support services for an assessment process. In general, a few hundred dollars can be received from the SHARES program.
During the hot New Jersey summer months, assistance in paying for air conditioning or cooling bill assistance may be available as well. This is only for those that have a medical condition and those in which their doctor has approved their request.
The NJPowerOn portal (operated through the Urban League of Essex County and others such as the United Way) also offers assistance with paying electric and gas bills, particularly for PSE&G customers.
Weatherization provides benefits to low to moderate income households in the county. They can receive free energy conservation improvements to their home, especially older dwellings. The program from the Essex County Info Help Line support services partners will reduce energy costs and give the occupants a safer and healthier environment.
Essex County NJ 211 Infoline refers people to housing
Housing assistance is available from the agencies that are in the Essex County Info Help Line support services database. What may be available in Essex County New Jersey includes Homelessness Prevention, Emergency Rent Assistance, cash grants, and counseling. 211 monitors openings and refers eligible callers to this program when the list is active. This will also include tenant mediations services and information on a wide range of low interest loan offerings. Referrals can be given to them.
Clients may receive referrals to financial assistance from the Infoline. They can get help in negotiating with their mortgage company or landlord, referrals, and more. In some cases a loan may be issued for paying rent or other expenses, such as moving costs or a security deposit.
Essex County has several nonprofit shelter and temporary housing organizations that appear in the 211 network and in the county’s financial assistance directories. These include:
- Apostle’s House (emergency shelter for women and children, transitional housing)
- Family Promise of Essex (shelter and prevention), with other details here on Newark NJ Family Promise housing programs.
- Newark Emergency Services and United Community Corporation (UCC) (shelter, utility assistance, re-housing)
- La Casa de Don Pedro (affordable housing, home repair, family support)
Housing counselors from non-profits in The Essex County Info Help Line support services provides advice and recommendations to clients on various issues. It can range from mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention, default and delinquency to renter type issues. Those can include tenant-landlord mediation and information on affordable housing in the state. Some government funding is also available as part of FEMA and the counseling process to assist eligible applicants with one month’s back rent or a partial mortgage payment.
- Not only that, but residents can get information and lists on low income and public housing units. The overall goal of these various services is to both prevent homelessness and rehouse those that need a place to live.
- Other resources from the division include help for first time home buyers, information on section 8 HUD housing vouchers, and loans for repairs. Those tend to be for seniors and the disabled. All eligible applicants to any housing program must agree to use credit counseling and other sessions that can help with self-sufficiency goals.
Numerous other social services and government benefits are available in Essex County. Referrals may be made to resources such as SNAP food stamps, Medicaid applications, and aging centers for seniors. There are also many food banks of Essex County NJ listed in the 211 directory. Staff from the community action division can also have referrals to other churches, charities, and non-profits in New Jersey that all have the common goal of helping the least fortunate among us.
Workforce and Educational programs
Economic, Educational and Workforce Programs are part of 211. The United Way 211 connects callers to job training, vocational education, and workforce readiness programs through Essex County Division of Training and Employment. A major partner of the United Way is the Essex County Division of Training and Employment.
United Way and the Urban League also often host financial literacy, volunteer income tax assistance (VITA), credit counseling, and job readiness workshops. All these are listed in the 211 directory in Essex County NJ.
What to expect when you call 211 for information
When a resident dials 211 from anywhere in Essex County, the call is routed to a trained Community Resource Specialist who will conduct an assessment of needs and then connect or refer you to local programs. The specialist will collect basic information including household size, income, utility expenses, housing status and guide you through next steps. 211 is available at all hours, every day.
In Essex County, calling the United Way 211 Infoline connects you to a robust, coordinated network of assistance, including utility relief, housing support, food and health services, workforce development, and crisis intervention.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
