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Housing Program

The HigherSelf housing program walks Newark families from renting toward owning — workshops, one-on-one guidance, and coordination with our program partners. Support ranges from emergency shelter referrals and rental assistance to transitional housing planning and case management, whatever stage you’re starting from.

Who it’s for

Newark residents and families looking for a path toward stable, affordable housing. Some people come to us needing somewhere to sleep this week. Some are planning years ahead toward a first home. Both belong here. There is no wrong door: tell us what’s going on and we’ll point you to the right support.

What the program includes

  • Emergency shelter referrals when you need them most
  • Transitional housing support and stability planning
  • Rental assistance programs for individuals and families
  • Case management from crisis through stability
  • Homebuying workshops and one-on-one guidance

How it works

Reach out through the Get Help form or by texting HOUSING to (888) 893-7838. A HigherSelf housing coordinator follows up, listens to where you are, and connects you with the right next step — a homebuying workshop, one-on-one guidance, rental assistance, transitional housing support, or case management through to stability. We also coordinate directly with our program partners so you are not navigating this alone.

What it costs

Free or low-cost. If cost is the reason you have not reached out, reach out anyway and we will work it out with you.

New to homebuying? Start here.

Real families, real outcomes — this is what the housing program makes possible.

  • HigherSelf Original

    Understanding Your Mortgage — a HigherSelf Explainer

    A plain-language walk-through of how a mortgage actually works, so you can walk into the process informed and confident.

  • HigherSelf Original

    How Taina & Jamel Found Their Home

    Through HigherSelf housing workshops and coordination with our program partners, Taina and Jamel moved from renting into a home of their own. Here’s their story.

Resources

Mortgage basics. Rewatch the mortgage explainer video above whenever you want a refresher on how the process works.

Homebuying next steps. Start with the Get Help form or text HOUSING to (888) 893-7838 to reach a housing coordinator, then work through workshops and one-on-one guidance toward the support that fits — rental assistance, transitional housing, or homeownership prep.

Need something else in the community? Browse the Newark Resources directory for housing, food, and other free or low-cost support across the city. You can also text your ZIP code to (888) 893-7838 for the closest organizations.

Urgent, or want to help a neighbor? Visit Mutual Aid to request or offer direct support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or see Emergency Resources.

Ready to talk? Text HOUSING to (888) 893-7838 or use the Get Help form.

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