Spotlight on: Mercy Center

By: Jackie Jankewicz

Helping Single Moms Keep a Roof Over Their Heads

Single moms are the largest group coming to Mercy Center in Asbury Park for help. Take, for example, a woman we’ll call “Emma” who came to Mercy Center carrying her child who was crying with hunger. They had been living in a car. Emma had lost her husband to cancer, then her job, and finally her home. 

Until now, Mercy Center could not help Emma with emergency services and housing because she was not a victim of domestic violence. Mercy Center’s state funding only covers victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. But now, thanks to an Impact 100 Jersey Coast grant of $100,000, Mercy Center will be able to help “Emma” and others like her. 

Immediate Help, Personalized Solutions

The Housing Matters program will provide emergency shelter, and utility and rental assistance for up to 50 single moms and their children. Moreover, it will connect these families to Mercy Center’s wrap-around services, including housing navigation, social workers, trauma counseling, and immigration guidance.