State programs, county housing authorities, transitional housing, recovery houses, emergency shelters, and faith-based services for returning citizens across Central and South New Jersey — with real contact information, eligibility requirements, and how to get in.
If you're coming home to New Jersey after incarceration, understand this first: the state has more housing resources than most people realize — but you have to know how to ask for them. I grew up in Camden, and I've helped people navigate this system for thirty years. The programs are real. The waitlists are real too. But the door is open if you knock right.
This guide covers Central and South Jersey from Camden to Cape May, from Burlington to Atlantic City. We start with state-level programs that apply everywhere in NJ, then break down county by county — Camden first, since that's our home base, then the surrounding counties where so many of our people land after release.
Within each county, resources are organized by type: government housing authorities, transitional housing nonprofits, recovery houses, emergency shelters, and faith-based programs. Every entry includes a phone number. Call them. Ask about current availability, ask what documents you need, ask about waitlist timing. Information changes — what you read here is as current as May 2026, but conditions shift.
You are not alone in this. U.N.I.T.Y Connector exists because I know what it means to walk out of a facility with nothing in your pocket and nowhere to go. This guide is the one I wish I'd had.
— Deacon Benny Tiller, U.N.I.T.Y Connector
NJ DCA is the state's primary housing agency. It administers Section 8 vouchers, the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Reentry populations are explicitly served in several programs. DCA also oversees the network of county-level Community Action Agencies that provide direct intake assistance.
NJ HMFA funds affordable housing development statewide, administers federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and runs homebuyer programs. Their rental housing portfolio includes hundreds of affordable units across South and Central Jersey. HMFA-funded properties are required to accept Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) — meaning if you have a voucher, these properties must give you a fair shot.
NJ 211 is not a housing program — it is your first call. It is a free, confidential helpline and database that connects New Jersey residents to food, housing, healthcare, employment, and emergency services. For housing specifically, 211 specialists can identify emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental assistance, utility help, and coordinated entry points by county. Available 24/7 in over 180 languages.
The NJ DOC Office of Transitional Services connects individuals leaving NJ state facilities with housing, employment, and support services. The Intensive Supervision Apprehension Program (ISAP) has housing placement components. If you're currently incarcerated in NJ, case managers inside the facility are supposed to begin housing planning 6 months before release. Push them on this — housing placement is part of their job.
Section 8 vouchers in NJ are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) — each county and many cities have their own. Waitlists are long (2–5 years is typical), but some PHAs have special priority or separate tracks for reentry populations, especially if you have supportive housing referrals. Apply to every PHA in every county where you might live — you are allowed to hold multiple waitlist positions. After receiving a voucher, you have 60–120 days to find a unit.
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."— Psalm 9:9
HACC administers public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for the city of Camden. They manage more than 1,400 public housing units across several developments and maintain Section 8 voucher waitlists. The HACC is one of the more accessible PHAs for reentry populations — they evaluate each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and prior convictions are not an automatic bar except for sex offender registration and methamphetamine production on federal property.
Camden County Social Services administers Emergency Assistance housing funds, General Assistance, and links residents to DCA rental assistance programs. The Homelessness Prevention Program can cover back rent, security deposits, and first month's rent for residents at risk of homelessness. For returning citizens, a caseworker can coordinate multiple benefits — GA, food stamps, Medicaid — alongside housing support. This is the office you want if you're out of options and need a bridge.
VOA Delaware Valley operates transitional housing programs specifically serving formerly incarcerated individuals in the Camden County area. Programs provide short-term housing (typically 6–18 months) with case management, employment support, and substance abuse counseling. Residents pay a nominal program fee based on income. VOA is one of the few providers in Camden County with an explicit reentry population focus — they're not just accepting you in spite of your record, they're built around it.
Opened March 2026, the Camden County Reentry Release Center is a county-funded drop-in and services coordination hub for individuals returning from incarceration. Located in Camden city, it provides immediate post-release support including housing navigation, ID recovery, benefits enrollment, employment linkages, and crisis stabilization. This is your first stop if you're coming home to Camden County — they can connect you to transitional housing within 24–72 hours in many cases.
Camden County has a network of licensed recovery houses serving individuals in active recovery. These are typically 3/4 houses that operate with a house manager, curfews, drug testing, and required meeting attendance. Costs run $100–$175/week and most accept General Assistance, SSI, and SUD block grant funding. Recovery housing bridges the gap between treatment and independent living — for someone coming home from incarceration with a substance use history, it's often the most realistic first step.
St. Joseph's Carpenter Society and affiliated faith-based organizations in Camden provide emergency housing assistance, security deposit help, and transitional housing referrals. Heart of Camden focuses on neighborhood stabilization and owner-occupied housing support, but also connects residents to emergency shelter networks. For immediate shelter needs, Camden's faith-based network is one of the most responsive in South Jersey.
Cathedral Kitchen provides meals and social services in Camden. Joseph's House, a partner organization, provides transitional housing for homeless men in Camden including those with reentry history. Services include case management, mental health referrals, and housing placement support. For men without a safe place to go immediately after release in Camden, Joseph's House is one of the most important resources in the city.
The Burlington County Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers throughout Burlington County. As of 2026, waitlists for vouchers are open in certain townships — call to confirm current status. The Authority serves Mount Holly, Cinnaminson, Hainesport, and other Burlington County municipalities. Reentry populations are reviewed case-by-case under standard HUD guidelines.
Providence House in Burlington County provides transitional housing specifically for women and their children, including those with reentry histories. Programs offer 6–24 month stays with case management, parenting classes, employment support, and children's programming. This is one of the few programs in South Jersey explicitly designed for mothers returning from incarceration — they understand the family reunification context in a way most shelters don't.
Burlington County BSS administers General Assistance, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds, and connects residents to state housing programs. For returning citizens, the office can authorize GA bridge benefits quickly if you have release paperwork. They also have housing specialists who can refer to transitional programs and county-funded shelter beds.
The Gloucester County Housing Department oversees the county's housing assistance programs, including ERAP, rental assistance, and coordination with municipal housing authorities. The county also participates in the South Jersey Continuum of Care, which manages coordinated entry for homeless services across multiple counties. For housing vouchers, the Gloucester County Housing Authority administers Section 8 waitlists separately from the county housing department.
Center for Family Services operates emergency shelter and transitional housing programs across South Jersey including Gloucester County. Their reentry-focused case managers can coordinate housing, employment services, and benefits enrollment. CFS is one of the largest nonprofit human services providers in the region and has specific program expertise in serving adults with justice involvement.
The Atlantic City Housing Authority administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Atlantic City. The city has a significant returning citizen population given its size and the casino economy that creates some reentry-accessible employment. ACHA operates several public housing developments and maintains a waitlist for vouchers. Atlantic City specifically has resources tied to its reentry and workforce development ecosystem that surrounding townships may lack.
The Atlantic County Rescue Mission has operated in Atlantic City for over a century. They provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, addiction recovery services, and life skills programs. The men's program can house returning citizens — they serve the full spectrum of need, including those straight from incarceration. The women's program is operated separately. Neither program charges upfront fees; residents contribute from income when able.
Atlantic County's Division of Intergenerational Services administers Emergency Rental Assistance, General Assistance housing supplements, and links residents to coordinated entry for homeless services. For returning citizens, their caseworkers can coordinate benefits enrollment alongside housing support. Atlantic County also participates in the Continuum of Care homeless services network.
The Cumberland County Housing Authority administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Cumberland County municipalities. Cumberland County has a significant reentry population — it is home to several NJ state correctional facilities and many residents return to the county after release. The Housing Authority has experience navigating reentry-related eligibility questions. Contact them directly to discuss your situation — they've seen it before.
The Cumberland County Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and recovery services for adults in Cumberland County. Located in Bridgeton, it serves residents across the county. Programs include addiction recovery, life skills, employment assistance, and faith-based support. For men returning from incarceration in this area, the Rescue Mission is often the first stable landing place while longer-term housing is arranged.
The Family Restoration Center in Vineland provides reentry support services including housing navigation, substance abuse counseling, legal assistance, and family reunification services for Cumberland County residents. They operate out of Vineland and serve the broader county. For returning citizens, their staff can help identify available transitional housing beds and navigate the county social services system more efficiently than going in cold.
Salem County BSS is the primary gateway for housing-related assistance in this rural county. They administer General Assistance, Emergency Assistance housing funds, and coordinate with the county's small network of nonprofit housing providers. Salem County's resources are more limited than its neighbors, but the caseworkers at BSS are often more accessible and responsive than in larger counties — lower volume means you can get through and talk to someone. Returning citizens from Salem County are often better served starting here and being linked outward to Camden or Cumberland County providers if needed.
Salem County operates an emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, administered through county social services. Capacity is limited. For immediate shelter in Salem County, contact Social Services first — they manage bed access and can authorize placement. If Salem County shelter is full, they will coordinate with neighboring county programs in Cumberland or Gloucester.
Cape May County DSS administers Emergency Assistance, ERAP, and connects residents to county and state housing resources. Cape May County has a unique housing challenge — the seasonal tourism economy creates a tight year-round rental market where affordable housing is scarce. For returning citizens, the DSS housing unit is the right entry point. They can also refer to Atlantic County providers if the local bed count is at capacity.
The Shelter of Cape May County provides emergency shelter and transitional housing services for adults and families experiencing homelessness in Cape May County. They offer case management, housing placement assistance, and links to county and state resources. For returning citizens with no place to go in Cape May County, this is the primary emergency landing point.
The Trenton Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers for the City of Trenton. As the state capital, Trenton has a robust nonprofit and government reentry service ecosystem that parallels Camden. The THA operates multiple public housing communities and maintains Section 8 waitlists. Trenton also has specific reentry housing programs funded through state and county contracts — the Housing Authority staff can link you to these programs.
Isles is one of New Jersey's most respected community development organizations, operating in Trenton. They develop and manage affordable housing units, provide foreclosure prevention, and offer community-based case management. For returning citizens, Isles can connect you to affordable rental units in their portfolio and help navigate the application process — including having conversations about criminal history with landlords that you might not want to have alone.
HomeFront provides comprehensive housing services for families and individuals in Mercer County, including transitional and supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention. Their reentry program is specifically designed to address barriers that returning citizens face — including criminal background screening workarounds and landlord negotiation. HomeFront is the go-to for families with children returning to Mercer County after incarceration.
The Middlesex County Housing Authority administers public housing and Section 8 for Middlesex County municipalities outside New Brunswick (which has its own housing authority). Middlesex County is one of NJ's most populous counties and has a correspondingly active housing assistance infrastructure. The county also participates in special HMIS-tracked reentry housing programs through county Human Services.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen serves Middlesex County and provides reentry support including housing navigation, benefits enrollment, and emergency financial assistance. Their case managers are familiar with the Middlesex County housing landscape and can help returning citizens identify available beds, navigate PHA applications, and access bridge supports while permanent housing is arranged. No Catholic affiliation required to receive services.
Monmouth County Social Services administers ERAP, Emergency Assistance, and links to Section 8 voucher programs. The county has a coordinated entry system for homelessness that returning citizens can access through the Social Services office. Monmouth County also funds specific transitional housing beds through nonprofit contracts — the caseworkers at Social Services have referral lists for these programs that aren't always publicly advertised.
Interfaith Neighbors operates transitional housing and homeless services in Asbury Park and throughout Monmouth County. Their reentry-aware case managers can navigate housing barriers. For emergency shelter in Monmouth County, the county-funded shelter system is accessed through Social Services. Interfaith Neighbors is one of the key community partners managing transitional beds and rapid rehousing interventions in the county.
Ocean County BSS administers Emergency Assistance, General Assistance, and rental subsidy programs. Ocean County is a large county with a significant returning citizen population, particularly around Toms River and Lakewood. The Social Services office can authorize emergency housing placements and link residents to the county's network of nonprofit housing providers. For reentry populations, this is the first call — they know who has beds.
Ocean County has nonprofit transitional housing programs administered through Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen and independent community development organizations. These programs provide short-term housing with case management for individuals transitioning out of homelessness or incarceration. Ocean County's Catholic Charities office in Toms River is the most accessible point for reentry-specific transitional housing referrals.
"I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."— Matthew 25:35-36
U.N.I.T.Y Connector was built by someone who went through this. If you're stuck, confused, or facing a door that won't open — call us. We know these systems, we know these organizations, and we know how to push the right doors.