New Jersey SHARES (NJ SHARES) | North Ward Center - Family Success Center
346 Mount Prospect Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104
Eligibility
Energy Assistance:
Applicants must:
- have a moderate (not low) income level that is between 201% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
- be behind on their energy bill
- have a history of good-faith payments with their energy company
- not be eligible for LIHEAP or USF
- have made a good faith payment within 90 days of applying
- be a New Jersey American Water residential customer
- have a gross monthly income level that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- have made a good faith payment within 90 days of applying
- be a Verizon residential customer
- be participating in one of the following programs: Medicaid, SNAP, GA, SSI, LIHEAP, PAAD, TANF/WNJ, Section 8 Federal Public Housing Program, National School Lunch Progam, or Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline Assistance
- or, if you are age 65 or over and are not participating in one of the above programs and your annual income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty income level
Required documents
Application/registration forms, current utility bills, photo ID, proof of application for other assistance, proof of household income
Hours
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Extended hours on Mon and Thurs by appointment only
Application process
Call the agency and make an appointment to apply, or submit an application online.
Fees
Most NJ SHARES programs require applicants to make a good faith payment in order to receive assistance:
- Energy Assistance (gas/electric) requires a good faith payment of $100 within 90 days of applying for assistance.
- New Jersey American Water assistance requires a good faith payment of $100 within 90 days of applying for assistance.
Service area
Essex County, NJ
Provides energy assistance to moderate and fixed-income households experiencing a financial crisis.
Energy Assistance:
Set dollar grant amounts can be made for electric and natural gas heating sources. Since heating systems require electric to run, applicants who heat with natural gas may also qualify for an electric service grant. If a household's heating source is electricity, they can only apply for an Electric Heat grant. Grants must continue or restore your utility service and are awarded only once per calendar year.
New Jersey American Water:
New Jersey American Water (NJAW) offers two programs to help New Jersey households afford their water bills:
- The H2O Help to Others Program is a grant applied directly to a customer's account and
- The Low Income Payment Program is a reduced rate.
Providing organization
North Ward Center - Family Success Center
Provides a community based, family-centered neighborhood gathering place where anyone can go for support, information and services.