Community Canvassing Initiative in Somerset County

Submitted by Kate Russo, Planning Administrator, Office of Operations and Planning

Somerset County is Here to Help 

Affordability continues to be a significant concern for Somerset County residents. From the rising costs of rent and utilities to increasing expenses for gas and groceries, many households are feeling financial pressure in numerous ways. Approximately 45% of Somerset County households are either living below the Federal Poverty Level (5%) or are classified as ALICE households (40%)—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. For these families, making ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult. In a county often perceived as affluent, many working households continue to struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed

As household budgets are stretched, many residents may not be aware of the programs and services available to help them meet basic needs and maintain financial stability. To bridge that gap and ensure residents have access to critical resources and support, Somerset County launched the second year of its Community Canvassing Initiative in partnership with Civic Operations Group. The initiative deploys locally recruited canvassers who go door-to-door to connect residents with a wide range of essential services, including behavioral health resources, food assistance, housing and financial support, aging and disability programs, and recovery-related tools such as Naloxone.

The first year of outreach, conducted in 2025, focused on the municipalities of Somerville, North Plainfield, Manville, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Hillsborough, and Bridgewater. During that effort, canvassers knocked on more than 97,000 doors, engaged in 18,000 conversations, and connected residents to more than 3,700 resources and services.

The second and final year of outreach launched on April 20. To date, canvassers have knocked on more than 36,000 doors and engaged in over 5,000 conversations, resulting in more than 650 resource connections. Many of these conversations have led residents to seek assistance from Somerset County Human Services Navigators for help with utility assistance programs, SNAP benefits, and Medicaid enrollment.

Notably, approximately 50% of residents who have engaged with canvassers are aged 60 or older. These older adults have received information about paratransit services that provide transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as guidance on property tax relief programs, including Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and the Senior Freeze Program.

Food assistance continues to be one of the most requested topics during outreach efforts. Residents frequently report that rising household expenses make it increasingly difficult to purchase nutritious food for themselves and their families. In response, canvassers provide information about the County's food pantries, senior nutrition programs, SNAP benefits, and school meal programs. Residents also receive guidance on eligibility requirements and assistance with enrollment opportunities.

Through direct, neighborhood-based outreach, Somerset County continues to meet residents where they are, ensuring they are aware of the programs, services, and supports available to help improve their quality of life and financial stability. Keep an eye out in the following municipalities for canvassers to be in your area: Franklin, Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Branchburg, Bedminster, Greenbrook, Watchung, Warren, Raritan, and Bernardsville.

If you have not had a canvasser arrive to your home and are interested in the shared Somerset County resources, please visit us our online Guide:  Human Services Resource Guide | Somerset County and/or connect with our bilingual Human Services Navigators Somerset County NJ Navigators.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

I WANT TO RENT AN AFFORDABLE UNIT-HOW DO I BEGIN?

July 15, 2026 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm

Looking to rent an affordable unit but not sure where to start? Join our FREE webinar to learn the full process — applications, income requirements, regional preference, the lottery, vouchers (Section 8/SRAP), market‑rate options, and more. To register, click on the title or call a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to enroll.

SAVINGS MATCH PROGRAM

Apply now for CJHRC’s Savings Match Program and earn up to $900 toward a financial goal. Choose a 4-, 6-, or 12‑month program (click for application here). Use the funds for debt, medical/dental bills or other financial needs.  You’ll receive a 3:1 match by completing monthly counseling, budgeting, and  savings

4 months: Save $100 → $300 match

6 months: Save $150 → $450 match

12 months: Save $300 → $900 match

To get started,

Complete the intake here

Contact us: 2cjhrc@gmail.com

Call: (908) 446-0036

Visit: www.cjhrc.org

STAY INFORMED! Get important housing announcements, resources and information by liking us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or following us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing)

Supporting Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Mental health plays an important role in overall well-being, including success and satisfaction in the workplace. For many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and Asian American individuals, mental health experiences can be influenced by cultural expectations, systemic inequities, discrimination, and barriers to accessing care. Research shows that people of color are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to White populations, often due to stigma, lack of culturally responsive providers, financial obstacles, and concerns about being misunderstood or judged.

These challenges can also affect employment experiences. Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout can impact job performance, workplace relationships, and career advancement. BIPOC and Asian American employees may additionally face workplace pressures related to bias, microaggressions, underrepresentation in leadership, or the expectation to suppress personal struggles in professional settings. For some Asian American employees, cultural messages that prioritize perseverance, self-sacrifice, or avoiding burdening others can make it difficult to seek support when it is needed.

Fortunately, awareness of workplace mental health is growing. More employers are recognizing the value of creating inclusive environments that support employee well-being through mental health benefits, employee assistance programs, flexible work options, and open conversations about wellness. Culturally responsive support systems can help employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. When organizations invest in mental health, they not only support individuals but also strengthen workplace engagement, productivity, and retention.

Each of us can contribute to a healthier workplace culture. Whether it is checking in with a colleague, participating in wellness initiatives, sharing resources, or helping reduce stigma around mental health conversations, small actions can have a meaningful impact. By working together to create supportive and inclusive environments, we foster opportunities for healing, growth, and success. There is reason for hope: awareness continues to increase, resources are expanding, and more workplaces are recognizing that mental health is essential to helping every employee thrive.

References

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – BIPOC Mental Health Resources
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health – Mental Health and Asian Americans
• American Psychological Association – Mental Health Disparities and Equity Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Mental Health in the Workplace

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call PESS at 908-526-4100 OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

Agriculture & Natural Resources

The Garden Helpline is open! Somerset County residents are invited to submit lawn and garden inquiries to the Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline. Submissions will be evaluated by a trained volunteer and a science-based response will be provided.

• Send questions via the Helpline submission form or email  rmghelpline@SomersetCountyNJ.gov.

NOTE: It is helpful to submit photos with your inquiry. Photos should be in focus and taken from different angles, including close ups of the problem area and farther back to show the entire plant and its environment. Objects in the photos (e.g., ruler, coin, person) can give a sense of scale.

• Samples may be dropped off Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plant or insect samples should be placed in a sealed container such as a jar or plastic zip-top bag. Please call ahead to check the Helpline schedule if you would like to speak to someone in person.

Responses to frequently asked lawn and garden questions related to fruit trees, garden and household pests, lawn care and landscaping, vegetable gardening and small fruits, and more are available on the NJAES website.

Subscribe and follow the Somerset County FCHS YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@SCNJFCHS for a library of fitness and cooking videos to help you and your clients with their health & wellness goals.

Save the date for the Somerset County 4-H Fair August 5-6-7 at North Branch Park!

Sponsorship opportunities available www.4histops.org/fair

Below are various job opportunities available within Somerset County including with partner agencies/organizations. For all inquiries, contact the organization directly.

Below are current job openings at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center:

Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-063J1314

Clinical Supervisor – CARE

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-037P806

Intake Triage Specialist

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-095J1191

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-168J124

Recovery Support Specialist – STAR (G)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-040J1126

Security Guard (PT)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-086J1425

Substance Use Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-079J1486

Substance Use Counselor

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-163J122

If you require assistance completing the online employment application, you may contact Human Resources at employment@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7120.