Going to be fairly nondescript here - Just learned this morning:
Family (Husband/Wife/Child) in my circle of friends/acquaintances is about to be (within 7 days) evicted from their rented home in Middlesex County.
It’s not really a sympathy story - Upshot is one of the parents has a long running gambling addiction that the family was hiding. Net effect is that they’ve been not paying bills, including rent, for ~2 years.
One parent is working, one is disabled. Child is either close to or over 18 years old. I doubt that with the credit history and income they’ll be able to secure regular rental housing.
It’s my understanding that the eviction can’t be stopped, probably well deserved. What I’d like to know is there any Federal, NJ or County programs or assistance they can avail themselves of that should be looked into. Their immediate family isn’t particularly well off, not certain if they’ll be able to house them more than temporarily.
Federal rental assistance options are limited as of 2026, with major COVID-era programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) having exhausted funds and no longer accepting new applications for direct rent payments. However, ongoing HUD-administered programs may apply if the family meets low-income criteria (typically at or below 80% of area median income, which for Middlesex County is around $77,200 for a family of four based on recent data).
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program: Provides rental subsidies for low-income families to afford private housing. Administered locally through Middlesex County’s Division of Housing, Community Development, and Social Services. Eligibility requires very low income and often involves waitlists or lotteries. This could help with future rent but may not cover past arrears directly. Contact the county office at (732) 745-3025 for application status.
Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP): Funds legal aid for low-income tenants facing eviction. In New Jersey, this supports organizations like Legal Services of New Jersey, which provides free representation statewide. If eligible, they can access an attorney to negotiate with the landlord or seek diversion. Call Legal Services of New Jersey at (888) 576-5529.
Other federal resources like SSI or TANF (if applicable) can tie into state emergency aid, but direct federal rent relief is not currently available for nonpayment cases outside of these.
New Jersey State Programs
New Jersey offers several eviction prevention and rental assistance options, many through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Eligibility often requires low income (e.g., below 80-120% of area median), proof of financial hardship, and sometimes an active eviction notice. Due to the 2-year arrears, programs may prioritize diversion or partial payment rather than full coverage, but applying can provide temporary eviction protections under state law (e.g., self-certification for arrears accrued during/after COVID if income qualifies and an application is submitted).
Office of Eviction Prevention (OEP) - Comprehensive Eviction Defense & Diversion (CEDD): Free legal aid and resource navigation for low-income households facing eviction. Includes attorney representation to delay proceedings and connections to rental aid. In Middlesex County, contact Garden State Home at 732-532-6865 or cedd@gardenstatehome.org for immediate help.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP): Provides ongoing housing subsidies for very low-income residents via vouchers. Applications are lottery-based; check New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Home Page for current open enrollment (last noted in early 2025, so verify 2026 status). Could assist with future housing stability.
Emergency Assistance (EA): Available through county welfare agencies for those eligible for WorkFirst NJ (TANF/GA) or SSI. Covers back rent, utilities, or temporary shelter. Apply via Middlesex County Board of Social Services at (732) 745-3500; phone applications accepted.
Eviction Prevention Program (EPP): Previously covered up to 2 years of arrears for pandemic-impacted households, but closed to new applications. If they applied previously, follow up with DCA at (609) 292-4080.
NJ 211: Statewide resource line for connecting to local aid. Call 211 or visit nj211.org for referrals to rent payment assistance, shelters, or utilities help.
Self-certify for eviction protection at COVID-19 if household income is below 120% AMI and they’ve applied for aid—this can pause eviction for qualifying arrears.
Middlesex County Programs
Local options focus on immediate crisis intervention and are often tied to state/federal funds. Contact county services quickly given the 7-day timeline.
Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) - Catholic Charities: Short-term aid for families with an eviction notice. Covers rental arrears, short-term rent, security deposits, and utilities. Edison location: 26 Safran Ave, Edison, NJ; call (732) 738-1323.
Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERAP): Assists with back rent and utilities for low-income renters. Applications via middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance; check for 2026 availability as it was active in prior years.
Division of Housing, Community Development, and Social Services: Manages HUD programs like HOME and CDBG for affordable housing creation and tenant aid. Can provide tenant-based rental assistance or relocation support. Call (732) 745-3025.
Gambling Addiction Support (Tied to Financial Recovery)
Since the nonpayment stems from gambling, addressing this can improve eligibility for aid by demonstrating hardship and commitment to stability. Many programs offer free or low-cost help, which may include financial counseling to manage debts.
On every commercial pushing online gambling there is always a phone number to help those with a gambling problem. I don’t know any details but perhaps that number is a clearinghouse for help. It’s worth a try to contact them.