Housing

Greater Bergen Community Action
Cynthia Arone, ESI Case Manager
201-968-0200 x 7501
www.greaterbergen.org
[email protected]

Local ESI Service Center offers a “one-stop shop” where individuals receive referrals and assistance. The services are both private and anonymous. At a one-on-one meeting, an ESI case manager will look at all client needs and the ESI/BenefitsCheckUp® Program will find all of the services and programs for which the client may be eligible.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP)
Greater Bergen Community Action
316 State Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-488-5100

PAAD/ Senior Gold for prescription assistance
800-792-9745

Also through PAAD — Lifeline Utility Credit program and Lifeline Communications provides a discount on Verizon home phone (landline) service.

Communications Lifeline
Those eligible for SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, SSI, Section 8 Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivor Pension Benefits or whose income is at or below $16,281 a year may qualify for a free cell phone or a discount on their Verizon landline bill.

Safelink Wireless or Assurance Wireless provide the free cell phones with 350 minutes a month.  Information about the free cell phones and applications are available at:

• Safelink Wireless
• Assurance Wireless

To apply for a discount on the Verizon landline contact NJ Shares at 1-888-337-3339. The Lifeline discount is up to $22.50 a month.

Note: You can only apply for one of these options – a free cell phone or a discount on your Verizon landline bill.

Social Services Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity
Six Station Plaza, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-444-2980
www.ssaridgewood.org
email: [email protected]

Social Service Association’s mission is to provide food through their food pantry, emergency rent, utility assistance and support services to our neighbors in need. With the goal of being a community resource and family service agency helping to preserve the dignity and stability of the individual. Social Service Association serves the communities of Ridgewood, Glen Rock, HoHoKus, Midland Park, Waldwick, and Wyckoff.

They are open weekdays 9 to 3, but it is best to call the number above to verify their open hours before visiting.

New Jersey Polio Network
Heightened Independence and Progress
131 Main Street Suite 120, Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-996-9100 ext.18

Aids individuals throughout the state who have been affected by polio. Individuals can apply for grants for such needs as medical evaluations, home modifications, assistive devices and medical transportation costs. Funding up to $1000.

The Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP)
Heightened Independence and Progress
131 Main Street Suite 120, Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-996-9100 ext.18

Assists Bergen County residents with disabilities or those who are over 60 to purchase medical and non-medical equipment and services that can help improve their day-to-day lives. This type of equipment could include bathroom safety bars, bath benches, walkers, hearing aids, automobile modifications, as well as rental of wheelchairs. Funding up to $300.