Emergency Residence Program

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY   

 

Emergency Housing/Shelter Services at the Newark Y

We provide safe and supportive housing for youth, adults and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless a range of programs and referrals to sustain individuals and keep families strong during periods of crisis. Our vision is to see our residents thrive in safe, long-term housing, receiving all the support they need as they work toward their goals.
 
The Newark Y Emergency Residence Program runs one of the best shelters in Essex County, with 260 beds for individuals and families. Accommodations include private rooms for families, as well as community dining areas and free laundry facilities. 

 

How to secure Emergency Housing / Shelter at the Newark Y: 

To enroll in our Emergency Homeless Shelter Program you will need to determine how your housing will be paid for.  You may pay yourself ($ 53 per night per person) or secure a voucher from an agency that will pay on your behalf.  

You may obtain a voucher from one of the following sources:

  • Your current city's social services agency/department. You may find your city’s social service agency/depart by calling the City Hall/Government ;
  • NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCCP) Shelter Support & Emergency Housing Grants (609)-292-4080;
  • The local County Social Service Agency is the primary resource for individuals experiencing homelessness or those seeking emergency housing assistance. During business hours, individuals are directed to contact their local County Social Service Agency. You can find your County’s Social Service Agency via https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/ Mondays - Fridays 9 am - 5 pm.  
    • After business hours, on weekends, and on holidays, individuals are directed to contact NJ 211 by dialing 2-1-1. On behalf of the county, NJ 211 arranges a one-time emergency placement through the statewide homeless hotline program for those who are eligible, along with information and appropriate referrals for the individual's situation.

Once you have obtained your Voucher from any of the above sources, you may come into the YMCA @ 600 Broad Street Newark NJ to arrange to move in (Intake) or call to make an appointment to do so 973-624-8900 x 6823.  

In addition to providing safe, comfortable Emergency Housing, the Y offers case management and services to all of our shelter residents, including:

 
  • Initial assessment
  • Crisis intervention
  • Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Referrals for substance abuse or mental health services
  • Employment assistance
  • Housing search support
  • Health screening referral
  • Food and Clothes pantry donations
  • Workshops for residents on crucial issues, such as HIV/ AIDS, parenting and life skills trainings.
  

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STAY AT THE Y? 

Y caseworkers help each individual develop a plan for the future. Families are connected with all necessary services, and every effort is made to help children feel safe and supported during their stay. In our state of the art computer lab, residents can research housing options, search for a job or take an online course.   All guests are able to reduce stress by working out in the Y fitness center, swimming in the pool or shooting baskets in the gym.
 
In addition, the YMCA sponsors a toy drive for Christmas, a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, summer picnics and other holiday celebrations for all shelter guests.
 
At the Y, we have a very diverse summer program for families and individuals. We have activities open to all shelter residents from the last week of June until the first week of September. 


The YMCA takes safety seriously. The shelter is supervised 24 hours a day, seven days a week and identification is required for entrance. The shelter occupies five floors of our facility at 600 Broad Street, in Newark’s downtown.  A counselor is on duty on each of the shelter floors at all times. Our front desk staff admits residents, with valid identification, through the locked door to the elevators on the ground floor. A security guard is on duty at all times.  

 
 

 WHAT’S LIFE LIKE FOR THE CHILDREN IN OUR SHELTER?

Children staying in our shelter go to school and attend as many of their regular activities as possible. Our staff helps ensure that children get to and from school, have a quiet place for homework, and even opportunities to have fun. We operate an AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM that includes:
  • Tutoring and Mentoring
  • Arts/Crafts
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Special outings, including: bowling, skating, swimming, NJPAC performances and gym activities.
 
Children staying in the shelter during the summer have a chance to attend the Y’s Summer Day Camp and participate in outings to our Camp Linwood-MacDonald, in rural Sussex County or stay at Camp Linwood MacDonald for multiple one week sessions of our Summer Sleepaway Camp.
 
The generosity of the community makes it possible for the Y to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our residents.
 

 

 
 
LEARN, GROW, THRIVE 

 

 

Youth Emergency Service Program (YES) 
The Newark Y’s Youth Emergency Service program offers a 24-hour, safe, supervised, supportive residence for youth in crisis. Teens, ages 13-17, are placed in our program for a period of up to 45 days by child protective services agencies. During their stay,  teens receive group and individual counseling, referrals to an extensive network of specialized services in our community, and ongoing support as they work toward their goals.  
 
Our experienced staff coordinates all necessary services for each youth in the program. The staff is culturally diverse; including men and women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, who speak English, Spanish and French Creole. The YES program is committed to cultural competency, diversity and supporting client choices.
 
As part of the YES program, youth are connected with all the necessary medical, counseling, and educational resources available. We assist the teens in attending school and other enrichment activities. In addition, youth enrolled in our program have access to recreational activities offered at the YMCA, such as swimming, basketball, racquetball, aerobics. Our staff organizes regular outings, including roller skating,  movies and bowling. Every effort is made to ensure that the teens in our program feel safe and supported during their stay.
 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP: 
Become a Y volunteer:   read to a child, help with a fundraiser, paint a room . . . Whatever your talents, if you have a commitment to the community, we can use your help! Fill out a volunteer application form and send it to:
 
Emergency Residence Program
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity
600 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07040
 
Make a donation:  Your donations support the work of our Emergency Residence Program.  Please click on the Give To the Y! button at the top of this page.  Or you can make a donation of goods.  We are in particular need of men's clothing, cribs, playpens, strollers, car seats, disposable diapers, toiletries, pillows, plastic bins and school supplies. Please contact the Emergency Residence Program Director, Ms. Mabel Elmore at melmore@newarkymca.org or call 973-624-8900 ext. 6815.
 
  

 We are grateful for your support.