New Jersey has approximately 8,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in one of the most expensive states in the country. The state’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates unique pressures — housing costs in North Jersey rival Manhattan suburbs, while South Jersey communities near Philadelphia face similar dynamics. Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Atlantic City have the most visible homeless populations, but housing instability affects communities across all 21 counties. New Jersey has invested significantly in homeless services and operates a coordinated statewide system through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
This guide from House for Homeless covers how to find emergency hotel or motel assistance anywhere in New Jersey tonight.
Need a hotel voucher in New Jersey tonight? Call 211 immediately — New Jersey 211 is available 24 hours across all 21 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in New Jersey
New Jersey does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) — administers state housing funds and ESG
- County Boards of Social Services — New Jersey’s county-level welfare offices
- Community Action Agencies — a statewide CAA network covering all 21 counties
- Continuums of Care — New Jersey has multiple CoC regions
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
New Jersey’s County Boards of Social Services are the primary government gateway to emergency housing assistance — every county has one. They administer General Assistance (GA) and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) — the state’s TANF program — both of which can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements in crisis situations.
Always call 211 first.
New Jersey State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
DCA administers federal ESG funds and the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) statewide, distributing funds to local organizations for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and hotel assistance.
DCA contact: 609-292-6420 Website: nj.gov/dca
New Jersey General Assistance (GA)
GA is New Jersey’s general assistance program for low-income adults without children. It is administered through county Boards of Social Services and can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements for people in acute crisis.
Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)
WFNJ is New Jersey’s TANF program for families with children. Emergency funds under WFNJ can sometimes cover emergency hotel placements for families. Contact your county Board of Social Services to apply.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in New Jersey by Region
Newark and Essex County
Newark has the largest homeless population in New Jersey and the most comprehensive emergency services infrastructure.
Essex County CoC / Monarch Housing Associates Lead CoC coordinator and statewide homeless advocacy organization based in Essex County.
- Phone: 973-509-8777
- Website: monarchhousing.org
Salvation Army of Newark Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 973-621-1888
- Address: 76 Prince St, Newark, NJ 07103
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Catholic Charities Diocese of Newark Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 973-596-4100
- Website: ccannj.org
Eva’s Village Comprehensive homeless services in Paterson including emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 973-523-6220
- Website: evasvillage.org
Essex County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance through GA and WFNJ.
- Phone: 973-395-8800
Trenton and Mercer County
Mercer County CoC / Homefront Lead CoC partner for Mercer County and one of New Jersey’s largest homeless service organizations.
- Phone: 609-989-9417
- Website: homefrontnj.org
Salvation Army of Trenton Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 609-695-4576
- Address: 575 E State St, Trenton, NJ 08609
Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 609-394-8847
- Website: cctrenton.org
Rescue Mission of Trenton Emergency shelter and housing for men and women in Trenton.
- Phone: 609-695-1436
- Website: rescuemissiontrenton.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Mercer County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 609-989-4300
Camden and South Jersey (Camden, Gloucester, Burlington counties)
South Jersey CoC / Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden Lead CoC partner for South Jersey.
- Phone: 856-342-4100
- Website: catholiccharitiescamden.org
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (Camden) Emergency housing and support services in Camden.
- Phone: 856-964-4500
- Website: voadv.org
Salvation Army Camden Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 856-963-6450
- Address: 1300 Park Blvd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Camden County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 856-225-8800
Atlantic City and South Jersey Coast (Atlantic County)
Atlantic City has significant homelessness driven by the casino industry’s decline and the transient nature of the hospitality workforce.
Atlantic County CoC / Atlantic City Rescue Mission Lead CoC partner and primary shelter for Atlantic County.
- Phone: 609-345-5517
- Website: acrescuemission.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army Atlantic City Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 609-345-8535
- Address: 1204 Bacharach Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Atlantic County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 609-348-1586
Jersey City and Hudson County
Hudson County CoC / Jersey City Medical Center — Behavioral Health Coordinates homeless services in Hudson County.
- Phone: 201-915-2000
Salvation Army Jersey City Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 201-432-5254
- Address: 88 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Hudson County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 201-369-4400
Paterson and Passaic County
Passaic County CoC / Eva’s Village Lead CoC partner for Passaic County.
- Phone: 973-523-6220
- Website: evasvillage.org
Salvation Army Paterson Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 973-742-6300
Passaic County Board of Social Services County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 973-881-0100
Rural and Shore Communities
New Jersey’s rural areas — particularly in Sussex, Warren, Salem, and Cape May counties — have fewer formal hotel voucher programs. Primary resources:
- Your county Board of Social Services — every NJ county has one; find at nj.gov/humanservices
- Community Action Agencies — call 211 for your nearest CAA
- Local churches — supplemental emergency resource
- 211 — always call first
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in New Jersey
| Priority Group | New Jersey-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; WFNJ can authorize emergency hotel placements |
| Domestic violence survivors | NJ DV Hotline: 1-800-572-7233 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in East Orange, Lyons, and regional CBOCs |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county programs |
| Youth ages 18–24 | City-specific programs — ask 211 |
| LGBTQ+ individuals | Several NJ programs explicitly affirming — ask 211 |
| Atlantic City workers | Atlantic City Rescue Mission understands hospitality sector |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in New Jersey — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 21 New Jersey counties.
Step 2: If you are in Newark/Essex County, call the Salvation Army at 973-621-1888 or Catholic Charities at 973-596-4100.
Step 3: If you are in Trenton/Mercer County, call Homefront at 609-989-9417 or Rescue Mission at 609-695-1436 (24 hours).
Step 4: If you are in Camden, call Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden at 856-342-4100.
Step 5: If you are in Atlantic City, call the Atlantic City Rescue Mission at 609-345-5517 (24 hours).
Step 6: Contact your county Board of Social Services and ask about GA or WFNJ emergency hotel assistance.
Step 7: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
What to Do During Your New Jersey Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for New Jersey SNAP at nj.gov/humanservices or call 1-800-687-9512. With zero income you qualify for the maximum food assistance benefit and expedited 7-day processing.
Apply for NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid): Apply at nj.gov/humanservices for NJ FamilyCare — New Jersey’s Medicaid program — covering healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 to be connected to your county’s CoC coordinated entry. In Mercer County, contact Homefront directly. Coordinated entry is your pathway to rapid rehousing and permanent housing. Reviewing the types of housing programs available before your assessment helps you ask informed questions.
Pursue rental assistance: Ask 211 about emergency rental assistance in your county. New Jersey has had active programs in most counties — funding availability changes, so ask early in your stay rather than at the last minute.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local New Jersey PHA. Newark Housing Authority: 973-273-6400. New Jersey PHAs have some of the longest waitlists in the country — apply now and simultaneously explore other housing voucher programs. Understanding how Section 8 eligibility and placement work will help you maintain your position on the list correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in New Jersey?
Call 211 from anywhere in New Jersey — available 24 hours across all 21 counties. In Newark, call the Salvation Army at 973-621-1888 or Catholic Charities at 973-596-4100. In Trenton, call Homefront at 609-989-9417. In Atlantic City, call the Atlantic City Rescue Mission at 609-345-5517. Your county Board of Social Services is also a key resource through GA and WFNJ.
What is New Jersey’s General Assistance (GA) program?
GA is New Jersey’s assistance program for low-income adults without dependent children. Administered through county Boards of Social Services, GA can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements for people in acute housing crisis. Contact your county Board of Social Services and ask specifically about GA emergency housing assistance. Find your county office at nj.gov/humanservices.
What is Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)?
WFNJ is New Jersey’s TANF program for families with children. In housing crisis situations, WFNJ emergency funds can sometimes cover emergency hotel placements for families. Contact your county Board of Social Services and ask about WFNJ emergency housing assistance. This is one of the fastest routes to emergency placement for families in New Jersey.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in New Jersey?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority. County Boards of Social Services can authorize emergency hotel placements through WFNJ for families in crisis. Call 211 and specify that you have children. Homefront in Trenton and Catholic Charities in Camden specifically serve families well. Families who stabilize may also qualify for rental assistance to maintain housing stability.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in New Jersey?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. New Jersey has VA resources at the East Orange VA Medical Center, Lyons VA Medical Center, and multiple community-based outpatient clinics with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What is NJ FamilyCare?
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey’s name for Medicaid — free healthcare for low-income residents. Apply at nj.gov/humanservices or call 1-800-701-0710. NJ FamilyCare covers medical, dental, mental health, and substance use treatment. New Jersey has expanded Medicaid and eligibility is broader than many people expect.
Does New Jersey have any special programs for Atlantic City homeless people?
Yes. Atlantic City’s homeless population is shaped by the casino and hospitality industry — many people experiencing homelessness there have employment histories in the service sector. The Atlantic City Rescue Mission at 609-345-5517 understands this context and has programs specifically designed for the Atlantic City community. Call 211 in Atlantic County for the most current resources.
How long do hotel vouchers last in New Jersey?
Most New Jersey emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. County GA programs may have specific duration limits. Connect with a case manager on Day 1, enter coordinated entry through 211, and pursue rapid rehousing referrals immediately.