The J.C. Kellogg Foundation Fund Supports Transitional Housing

The Gateway Family YMCA was awarded a $35,000 grant from the Community Foundation of NJ, on behalf of the J.C. Kellogg Foundation Fund to assist the YMCA in serving homeless and housing insecure residents through affordable and transitional housing programs, and wraparound support services.

“We are thankful for the generous support and assistance from the Community Foundation of NJ and the J.C. Kellogg Foundation Fund. This grant assists us in supporting this vulnerable demographic during the coronavirus pandemic,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO. “In 2021, our Y served 763 men, women, seniors and children through YMCA residential housing programs.”

The Gateway Family YMCA has served the local community for over 122 years, providing housing and social services for over 250 individuals, families and veterans each evening. Through residential housing programs in Elizabeth and Plainfield, as well as a supportive housing program throughout Union County, the Y provides emergency, transitional and affordable permanent housing opportunities along with wraparound social services focusing on mental health, food access, wellness services, chronic disease management, employment preparation, life skills and case management.

“At The Gateway Family YMCA, we provide residential housing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for individuals, families and veterans in our community,” stated Melynda A. Disla, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “We continue to see an increased need for housing and social services, food access and mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, and our residents lost jobs, became food insecure and struggled to access resources, which necessitated extra precautions, facility improvements and additional services provided by the YMCA.”

The Gateway Family YMCA’s housing programs are open to all residents of Union County regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, primary language, veteran status, and more. As one of more than 25 agencies collaborating in Union County’s Continuum of Care unit, The Gateway Family YMCA works with other partner agencies to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness in Union County, NJ.

If you or someone you know is in need of emergency shelter, please contact Union County’s 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline at 2-1-1. They will direct you to the housing program and support services that can best support you and your loved ones.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. Working locally, the Y focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y ensures that all have access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA or YMCA Residential Housing Programs, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact 908-355-9622.