Applications are now being accepted by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, for its Healing Homes transitional housing initiative. The hospital provides two homes in Somerville for transitional housing for Somerset County individuals or families who have an illness that caused financial hardship and are unable to afford housing.
As part of RWJBarnabas Health’s Social Impact and Community Investment Practice, the hospital launched Healing Homes in 2019 with one home. A second home was renovated for the initiative in 2022. Furnishings for the homes were generously donated by Acme Drapemaster Inc. and Flemington Department Store.
The deadline for Healing Homes applications is May 31.
“As part of our mission to build and sustain healthier communities, we are committed to addressing social and economic factors which impact health outcomes, including access to safe and affordable housing,” said Patrick Delaney, chief administrative officer, RWJUH Somerset. “Our Healing Homes initiative offers more than just a place to live. We also offer the support individuals need to improve their health and become financially independent.”
An assigned case manager will refer participants in Healing Homes to resources that are designed to help with their individually identified health issues as well as community resources that offer support for basic needs such as employment, transportation, social services and permanent housing.
The hospital’s two Healing Homes are two-bedroom ranch homes. One home is handicapped accessible. Each home is available to a single individual or a single family of no more than four.
To be considered for Healing Homes, participants must meet specific criteria for consideration, such as: have an illness that has caused financial hardship and makes them unable to afford housing and /or basic cost of living; have limited access to health care; are employed with a steady income but earn below the New Jersey Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income guidelines. Additionally, participants in Healing Homes must demonstrate a willingness to achieve the goals identified by the case manager in their individual progress plan to improve their circumstances.
Preference will be given to applicants who are residents in the towns identified in the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment with a median household income below the Somerset County average: Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, North Plainfield, Somerset, Franklin and Manville.
“This endeavor truly takes a village,” said Serena Collado, director, Community Health Department, RWUH Somerset. “We are proud to have the support of many community partners who have helped guide this initiative and have offered their expertise and resources to help our Healing Homes participants succeed.”
Representatives from the following organizations serve on the hospital’s Healing Homes Committee: Affinity Federal Credit Union, Bonnie Brae, Central Jersey Housing Resource Center, Pioneer Family Success Center, Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board, Habitat for Humanity, HOME of Somerset County, HomeSharing, Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey, Norwescap, Safe and Sound, Somerset Community Action Program, Somerset County Board of Social Services, Somerset County Community Development, Somerset County Health Department and Housing Authority, Somerset County Human Services, Tri County CMO, United Way’s Alice Project of Northern New Jersey and Zarephath Christian Church.
For more information about Healing Homes and an application, visit www.rwjbh.org/somersethealinghomes or call RWJUH Somerset’s Healing Homes in the hospital’s Community Health Department at (908) 704-3746.