HOME of Somerset County (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County) is a private, non-profit agency serving at-risk families who are homeless or housing-unstable. Through a large network of interfaith congregations and community volunteers, HOME provides a holistic approach to homelessness through program initiatives aimed at housing stabilization.
Founded in 1992, HOME's approach centers around community action to address the crisis of homelessness. Volunteers have remained the backbone of the agency, providing shelter, meals, financial support, and resources. One of HOME's greatest strengths is our ability to be innovative. Using the foundation of our emergency shelter, our network grows our community engagement to ensure we meet the individual needs of those we serve. We are not a one-size-fits-all approach; our families heal, cope, and grow at a pace that is sustainable for them.
Our programs are focused on providing intensive case management, financial case management, mental health support, food security, and basic needs assistance. Recognizing that households require additional services for lasting housing independence, HOME's expanding continuum of care ensures that families can build healthier foundations to support sustainability. We address the immediate crisis of homelessness through our Emergency Shelter Program. Our shelter program is supported by interfaith congregations throughout Somerset County who provide the physical overnight shelter and meals through a unique rotational shelter model. Our support programs include our Transitional Living Facility (Sunrise House), Transitional Support Program (Phase 2), Housing Stabilization Community Outreach Services (Neighbors in Need), and bilingual case management services (Bound Brook Families for Success). We also offer direct mental health support for both children and adults through our Sound Minds Program. All our programs are based on client empowerment through an individual approach, while highlighting the importance of human dignity and involving community action.
Our services are impactful, with 90% of families maintaining housing over the past 5 years.
In 2024, HOME served 58 families throughout all our initiatives. Thirty-seven congregations participated in our network, with over 1,000 volunteers contributing time and talents. We provided 1,152 nights of shelter and supplied over 10,400 meals. Our community partnerships with agencies such as Share My Meals and the Somerset County Food Bank ensured that we were able to meet the most basic needs for our families. Congregational support was unwavering. Liquid Church, for example, revamped our welcome center with thoughtful and impeccable detail.
How can you help? There are many ways!
With a strong focus on our future, HOME's capital campaign, Project HOMEBase, aims to purchase a more adequate office space and welcome center for our expanding services. Our mission continues to bring out the best in our community as we cruise through 2025.
Another option is to volunteer for HOME. This is most empowering and uplifting, as all correct actions make large impacts. Whether it is providing a home-cooked meal, volunteering for a shift at a host congregation, or encouraging your own congregational or community group to become involved, no effort is too small.
To learn more about how to become involved, we invite you to contact us (908) 704-1920 or visit our website www.homescnj.org.
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