$150K Donation Will Help Ease Homelessness In Newark Area

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark-based nonprofit recently received a hefty donation that will help provide shelter and aid to people experiencing homelessness.

The United Community Corporation (UCC) received a $150,000 contribution from Prudential Financial to support its “Hope for the Homeless” initiative. The funds will be put to work expanding resources for in-need residents, providing safe shelter and case management, and putting people on “pathways to stability” through employment assistance and housing programs.

“As the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions in mitigating homelessness persists, this funding goes a long way,” UCC executive director Craig Mainor said.

Currently, the UCC operates its emergency shelter at 31 Fulton Street in Newark and manages Hope villages I and II, transitional housing facilities made from shipping containers retrofitted with modern amenities to assist individuals facing homelessness.

At the Hope villages, UCC staff provide case management, supervision and secure housing placement for the guests. Since 2021, the agency’s emergency services have helped 42 people transition to permanent housing.

• See Related: Homelessness In Newark: ‘Hope Village 2’ Builds On Earlier Success

UCC has also expanded services at its emergency shelter through its Emergency Respite pilot program, which offers temporary shelter for individuals in urgent need referred through the emergency room at University Hospital. Through the program, the agency connects participants with case management, essential services, and aids in navigating their medical needs.

For more information about UCC’s programs and services, visit uccnewark.org.

Homelessness remains a pressing issue in the Greater Newark area, where rising housing costs, economic instability and a shortage of affordable housing have left many individuals and families without a safe, warm place to stay.

In Essex County, homelessness spiked 54% between 2023 and 2024, according to data reported by nonprofit Monarch Housing Associates. The nonprofit, which manages an annual “Point in Time Count,” reported that volunteers counted 2,451 people experiencing homelessness in the county in one day. In Newark, volunteers counted 2,089 people: 85.4% of Essex County’s total homeless population.

• See Related: Homelessness Is Surging In Essex County, Latest Data Shows
• See Related: There's A New Plan To Address Homelessness At Newark Penn Station

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