Trenton Local Assistance Programs

This page lists local organizations in Trenton, New Jersey that provide free legal help, food and social services. Statewide programs are described on the New Jersey page.

Legal aid

Central Jersey Legal Services provides free legal help in civil cases to low-income residents of Mercer, Middlesex and Union Counties. Its work covers housing problems, family matters, consumer issues, public benefits and health care access. To qualify, a household must meet income guidelines, currently 250% of the federal poverty level. People age 60 and older can get legal advice even when household income is above the guidelines.¹

The Community Health Law Project provides legal representation and advocacy to low-income people with disabilities and the frail elderly. Its Trenton office handles public entitlements, Medicaid and Medicare, housing advocacy, consumer law and family law.²

Food

The Rescue Mission of Trenton runs a food pantry and an emergency shelter for people in Trenton who are hungry or homeless. The pantry is open three days a week.³

The Mercer Community Services Food Pantry, run by Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton at Mount Carmel Guild, gives out pre-packed food bags with three meals a day for three days for each household member. Bring a photo ID, proof of income and proof of residency.⁴

Social services

Catholic Charities runs a Homelessness Prevention Program in Mercer County that helps people stay housed through rent, mortgage and utilities assistance. It offers rapid re-housing, a clothing closet, help with job searches and support for seniors.⁵

Arm in Arm, formerly the Crisis Ministry of Mercer County, helps Mercer County residents with food, housing and job support. It runs food pantries and works with hundreds of at-risk families each year to prevent or end homelessness through emergency financial help and case management.⁶