Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, recently welcomed two new families to its Healing Homes transitional housing. Launched in 2019 as part of RWJBarnabas Health’s Social Impact and Community Investment Practice, the hospital provides two homes in Somerville for Somerset County individuals or families who have an illness that caused a financial hardship and are unable to afford housing.
A case manager works with the families to refer them to resources to help them manage their health issues and address needs such as employment, transportation and social services, with the goal of helping them transition to permanent housing within 18 to 24 months.
“We recognize that to fulfill our mission to build and sustain healthier communities, our efforts must extend far beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Deirdre A. Blaus, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. “To help people lead healthier lives, we need to look at all factors that contribute to their overall health, including housing insecurity. Through Healing Homes, we not only offer a stable, safe place to live but are helping participants become financially independent and giving them the tools to take care of their health.”
Hospital employees recently held a “Plantscaping Party” to help plant bushes and flowers around the two homes to welcome the families. The plants were donated by Central Jersey Property Maintenance Services. Furnishings for the homes were generously donated by Flemington Department Store and Acme Drapemaster Inc.
“We are excited to welcome the new families to our Healing Homes,” said Serena Collado, director, Community Health, RWJUH Somerset, who oversees the Healing Homes initiative. “Together with our community partners, we will support them in moving forward with their lives and achieving their personal goals, including employment, continuing education and permanent housing.”
Representatives from the following organizations serve on RWJUH Somerset’s Healing Homes Committee: Affinity Federal Credit Union, Bonnie Brae, Central Jersey Housing Resource Center, Pioneer Family Success Center, Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board, , HOME of Somerset County, HomeSharing, Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey, Norwescap, Raritan Valley Habit for Humanity, 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.
To be considered for Healing Homes, participants must meet specific criteria, such as:
- have an illness that has caused financial hardship and impacts their ability 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 with the case manager in their individual progress plan to improve their circumstances.
In addition to Healing Homes, as part of its Social Impact and Community Investment initiatives, RWJUH Somerset partners with Share My Meals to donate excess meals from its cafeteria to support community members who are food insecure. Since February, the hospital has donated more than 3,500 meals through this program.
Throughout the year, the hospital’s Community Health Department coordinates donation drives, collecting items such as blankets, diapers, back-to-school supplies and grocery store gift cards for families in need.
In 2023, RWJUH Somerset partnered with the Players Development Academy to open a new mini-turf soccer field in Bound Brook to help promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The project was also supported by a grant from T-Mobile.
For more information about RWJUH Somerset’s Healing Homes program and Social Impact and Community Investment initiatives, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.