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help is here: a new jersey family resource guide

Writer: claire
claire
Aug 28
9 min read

Updated: Sep 2

last checked: august 28, 2026


Money gets tight for all kinds of reasons. You do not have to be homeless, unemployed, or at the absolute end of the road to ask what help is available. These programs exist to be used. There is no moral prize for waiting until the refrigerator is empty and in these unprecedented times, we need to be aware of the resources for not just ourselves, but also our neighbors.


if i'm forgetting anything or anything is out of date, please send updates to hello@divinghorseac.com


This guide starts with places that can help right now, then moves through food, groceries, rent, utilities, health care, child care, transportation, safety and legal help, etc.


if you need help right now


you need food, shelter, utility help or another local referral

NJ 211: call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search NJ211.org. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


you want to apply for food, cash or child care assistance

Use MyNJHelps.gov to screen and apply for SNAP, Work First New Jersey and child care assistance.


you live in Atlantic County and need benefits or emergency assistance


Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development609-348-30011333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic CityMonday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Atlantic County program information

This office handles SNAP, TANF, General Assistance, NJ FamilyCare, emergency assistance and housing-related help.


you or someone u love is in a mental health, suicide or substance-use crisis

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24/7. Call 911 for immediate physical danger or a medical emergency.


you are experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking

Avanzar, Atlantic County's local program, operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-286-4184 or 609-569-5437. Visit avanzarnow.org for shelter, counseling and other services.


you need immigration, tenant, worker or student support

El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City serves Latino and immigrant communities in Atlantic City, Pleasantville and surrounding South Jersey towns. Its work includes legal and social services, help with applications and appointments, translations, Know Your Rights education, family preparedness, accompaniment and community organizing. Visit elpueblounidoac.org or @elpueblounidoac on Instagram for current help, alerts and contact information. the folks here work very hard and do incredible work. Take a training class if you can.


For ICE activity alerts, emergency community information, legal clinics and changing program schedules, use the organization’s current social pages rather than an old flyer and if you see ICE, please let the crew at el pueblo know + prvide images.


you are stuck in a broken disaster-recovery, health-care or overdose system

New Jersey Organizing Project (NJOP) is a grassroots organization led by everyday New Jersey residents, including storm survivors, people affected by substance use and overdose, and families fighting for affordable health care and economic security.


to be clear here, NJOP is not a government benefits office or emergency hotline. They organize people who are being failed by systems, share practical information, connect residents with others facing the same problem, and fight for changes to disaster recovery, FEMA and flood-insurance systems, overdose policy, health care, and protections for shore communities. I wanted to include them because they not only do great work, but have been advocating for real change.


Call 609-225-4890, email info@newjerseyop.org, or use the NJOP contact form. Follow @newjerseyorganizingproject for current meetings, actions, and updates.


a child may be abused or neglected

Call the New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). The hotline is available 24/7 and reports may be made anonymously. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 too.


food today or this week

Sister Jean's Kitchen, Pantry & Garden

Hot meals: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Free grocery pantry: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m.Where: 108 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Atlantic City

Phone: 609-457-2999

All are welcome for meals. The garden may be harvested at any time. Check Sister Jean's current program information before traveling.


Salvation Army Atlantic City Corps

Hot lunch: Monday through Thursday, noon to 1 p.m.Choice food pantry: Tuesday, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Bring your own bags or cart.Where: 22 S. Texas Avenue, Atlantic CityPhone: 609-344-0660

The Atlantic City Corps also lists a diaper bank, laundry ministry, shower appointments and after-school programming. Call first for non-food services and available diaper sizes. See the current weekly schedule.


JFS mobile food pantry

Jewish Family Service brings free groceries to several Atlantic City locations, including Best of Life Park and the Oceanside Family Success Centers. No pre-registration is required for its public mobile distributions, but dates move around holidays.

Questions: 609-822-1108 ext. 170 or jfspantry@jfsatlantic.org

Current dates and locations: JFS live calendar


Community FoodBank of New Jersey Community Assistance Pantry

Where: 6735 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor TownshipShopping hours listed by CFBNJ: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Appointments: 908-418-8716 Southern Branch: 609-383-8843

CFBNJ says Saturday walk-ins are allowed. This is a client-choice pantry, meaning shoppers select from what is available instead of receiving only a pre-packed box. Find this pantry and other locations through the CFBNJ food finder.


Hammonton Family Success Center

Free grocery pantry: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m., first come, first served. Food is distributed at one time slot per household.

Community meal: Wednesday, 4 to 5 p.m.; registration may be required.

Where: 310 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton Phone: 609-567-2900


find the closest open pantry

Do not rely on a three-year-old Facebook post if you are traveling any distance. These live directories are safer bets:

affordable groceries and ways to stretch the food budget


Save A Lot in Atlantic City

Atlantic City's full-service discount grocery store is at 1501 Atlantic Avenue. The store currently lists hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. dily and a phone number of 609-344-0872. Check the store page and weekly offers before shopping.


AtlantiCare Community Mobile Market

The AtlantiCare Community Mobile Market is a grocery store on wheels selling affordable produce and pantry items at rotating Atlantic City stops. It accepts SNAP/EBT, cash, debit and credit cards.

The market uses seasonal schedules, and its summer 2026 hours ended Augyst 27. Check AtlantiCare's live Mobile Market page for the next schedule instead of going by an old flyer.

People who receive services through AtlantiCare may also qualify for Produce by Rx vouchers through participating health-care providers.


C.R.O.P.S. Fisherman's Park farmers market

2026 season: Fridays, June 19 through September 18, 4 to 6 p.m.Where: Fisherman's Park, Massachusetts and Drexel avenues, Atlantic CityAccepted: SNAP/EBT, Good Food Bucks, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, cash, debit and credit

Check C.R.O.P.S. food-access information for weather notices and future seasons.


Good Food Bucks

Good Food Bucks gives SNAP and ummer EBT shoppers extra buying power for fresh produce at participating New Jersey farmers markets, farm stands and stores. At the AtlantiCare Mobile Market, shoppers currently receive a matching coupon for every SNAP or Summer EBT dollar spent, up to $5 per purchase per day. No separate registration is needed there.

discount supermarkets outside Atlantic City

if transportation makes sense for you, Atlantic County also has an ALDI at 6032 Black Horse Pike and a Lidl at 3121 Fire Road, both in Egg Harbor Township. compare weekly advertisements and unit prices before making a special trip.


grocery benefits


NJ SNAP

can be used at most grocery stores, some farmers markets and participating online retailers. nj says eligible households receive at least $95 per month.


WIC

WIC provides specific foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding support and referrals for eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding people, infants and children under five


Atlantic City WIC: 139 N. Iowa Avenue, Atlantic City; 609-246-7767Galloway WIC: 333 Jimmie Leeds Road, Unit 5; 609-382-5050State hotline: 1-866-44-NJ-WIC (1-866-446-5942)Office finder: New Jersey WIC locations


Summer EBT for children

For summer 2026, New Jersey provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit per eligible child. Many children are automatically enrolled through SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, foster care or school meal eligibility. Families who are not automatically enrolled may need to submit a School Meals and Summer EBT application through their school district.

rent, shelter and utility bills

Atlantic County housing and emergency assistance

Call the Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development at 609-348-3001 and ask about Emergency Assistance, back rent, utilities, Work First New Jersey and homelessness prevention.


The county also lists 609-677-5719 for homelessness prevention services. After hours, or if you do not know where to begin, call 211 and ask for homeless services or emergency housing.

If you have received an eviction notice or court papers, do not wait for the court date to seek advice.


eviction and tenant help


Legal Services of New Jersey provides free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents. Call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or apply at LSNJLawHotline.org.


The state's New Jersey eviction guide explains notices, court, possible defenses and what to bring.


heat, electric, gas and weatherization

  • Apply and screen: DCAid

  • Energy-assistance hotline: 1-800-510-3102

  • NJ 211 utility assistance: 866-240-1347 or utilityhelp@nj211.org

  • LIHEAP: seasonal help with heating and cooling bills. As of August 28, 2026, the state portal says the current application window is closed and will reopen October 1, 2026.

  • Universal Service Fund: a credit toward eligible natural-gas or electric bills. Call the utility-assistance line or check DCAid for current availability.

  • Weatherization Assistance Program: help with energy-saving home improvements; applications are generally available year-round.


every other site emphasis this, so.i will, too: do not pay anyone to submit a public-benefit application for you. government programs do not require gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.


health care, babies and child care

NJ FamilyCare

NJ FamilyCare offers free or lowcost health coverage, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, pregnancy care and coverage for children. Children under 19 may qualify regardless of immigration status.

  • Apply: NJ FamilyCare

  • Help by phone: 1-800-701-0710, TTY 711

  • Atlantic County help: 609-348-3001 ext. 2858


child care assistance

New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program helps eligible working families, students and people in approved training pay for child care.


  • Apply: MyNJHelps.gov

  • Atlantic County referrals and application guidance: Rutgers Southern Regional Child Care Resource & Referral, 1201 New Road, Suite 100, Linwood; 609-365-5027

  • Find your county agency: ChildCareNJ


diapers and baby supplies

  • Salvation Army Atlantic City diaper bank: 22 S. Texas Avenue; currently listed Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 609-344-0660

  • Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative: 605 W. California Avenue, Absecon; 609-345-6420. The Atlantic County office offers family support and connections to essential baby items.

  • NJ 211: ask for a local diaper bank or formula assistance. Some diaper banks require a referral from a WIC, SNAP, health or social-service worker.

  • guide to diapers and essential child items


Family Success Centers


Family Success Centers are free neighborhood-based places offering referrals, benefits help, food and clothing resources, parenting support, computer access and family activities. Call to ask what is available that week.


  • Oceanside I: 201 Melrose Avenue, Unit 3, Atlantic City; 609-236-8800

  • Oceanside II: 3201 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City; 609-594-4990

  • New Day: 18 Martin Luther King Avenue, Pleasantville; 609-652-0230

  • Inland: 3050 Spruce Avenue, Egg Harbor Township; 609-569-0376

  • Hammonton: 310 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton; 609-567-2900


safety, mental health and recovery

  • Mental health, suicide or substance-use crisis: call or text 988, 24/7. You can also call if you are worried about someone else.

  • Immediate physical danger or medical emergency: call 911.

  • Atlantic County domestic violence, sexual violence or trafficking: Avanzar, 1-800-286-4184 or 609-569-5437, 24/7.

  • Statewide domestic violence hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), 24/7. Text LOVEIS to 22522.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Text START to 88788.

  • Substance-use treatment and recovery help in New Jersey: 1-844-REACHNJ (1-844-732-2465), 24/7 and regardless of insurance or ability to pay.



legal help

Legal Services of New Jersey can connect eligible residents with free help for civil problems such as eviction, unsafe housing, domestic violence, public-benefit denials, debt collection, family matters, employment issues and consumer problems.

  • Call: 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Apply online: LSNJLawHotline.org

  • Plain-language legal information: LSNJLAW.org

If a benefit is denied, reduced or stopped, save every notice and envelope. Deadlines to appeal can be short.


transportation

  • Atlantic County Transportation Unit: 609-645-5910. Call to ask about eligibility and transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans and qualifying residents.

  • Atlantic County community shuttles: the county lists Route 54/40 and English Creek-Tilton Road shuttles at driveless.com.

  • Medical transportation through Medicaid: call the transportation number on your NJ FamilyCare health-plan card and ask how far in advance a ride must be scheduled.

statewide and national starting points


  • NJ 211: current local referrals for food, shelter, rent, utilities, health, transportation and crisis services. Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

  • MyNJHelps: screening and applications for SNAP, Work First New Jersey, TANF, General Assistance and child care assistance.

  • NJ Basic Needs: plain-language state guides to food, housing, health, parenting supplies, legal aid and money help.

  • USA.gov Benefit Finder: national screening tool for government benefits based on life circumstances.

  • USA.gov financial-hardship guide: national starting point for food, housing, utilities, unemployment and cash assistance.

  • USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

  • HUD-approved housing counseling: housing, rental, foreclosure and homeownership counseling. Call 800-569-4287.


before you go or apply

this info could change... in fact, some changed in the few week span it took me to compile this, sp please call ahead and as:


  • confirm they are open?

  • Do I need an appointment or referral?

  • Do you serve my ZIP code or county?

  • What ids or paperwork should I bring?

  • Can someone help me apply in Spanish or another language?

  • Is there an accessible entrance, delivery option or transportation help?



one last thing


FYI,


The Diving Horse is not a government agency or benefits administrator. This guide is offered as a public service and will be updated as information changes. Know about a missing resource or a changed phone number? Email hello@divinghorseac.com.


These are uncertain and unprecedented times, do not be afraid to use these programs. they are there to help you. Stay safe out there ya'll!


 
 
 

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