UNION COUNTY, NJ (August 2018) – The Gateway Family YMCA, in collaboration with the County of Union, announced a 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline for those in need of emergency housing and vital services. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist Union County individuals and families seeking emergency shelter and other vital services. As of 12:01am January 1, 2020 the Homeless Hotline will be available by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-652-1148.
“If you are an individual or family challenged by homelessness, please reach out and call for assistance,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline is a valuable resource for those in need of emergency housing and other vital services in times of struggle.”
The hotline provides a link for those at risk of homelessness to the services they need 24-hours a day, and is staffed by The Gateway Family YMCA.
“We are honored to be able to provide this essential resource to Union County. Our goal is to be able to assist individuals and families in need and connect them to vital resources before they become homeless,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The Gateway Family YMCA has served our local community since 1900. We understand the vital need for homeless services in Union County and are ready to assist at all hours.”
“Homelessness and emergencies do not only occur during working hours,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “It’s important that there is someone available to those who reach out in their greatest time of need. Our housing and social services programs provide shelter for over 300 members of our local community each evening, but there are so many others out there in need. If we can help connect them to these types of services, we are continuing to make a difference throughout Union County.”
The Gateway Family YMCA provides residential housing programs to support individuals, families and seniors in need of shelter and a safe environment, together with social service programs to assist with opportunities to restructure their lives. In addition to YMCA services, the Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline enables The Gateway Family YMCA to assist residents throughout Union County with referrals to local services.
“The Gateway Family YMCA makes a positive difference in our community by helping homeless and low-income households to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Board’s Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.
To contact the Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline, call 211. For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA or Residential Programs, contact (908) 355-9622.