Scroll Top

Serving Atlantic and Cape May Counties

Serving Atlantic and Cape May Counties

Donate Now

“I’m a single mother and, during COVID, I lost my casino job and was about to lose our home. JFS and AHA helped us when we needed it most…Bless you.”

– Anonymous client.

Atlantic Homeless Alliance

Everyone needs a safe, welcoming place to live — where you and your family can sleep securely. We are here to support you in finding or keeping a home, whether you’re in immediate crisis or need help avoiding a crisis.

The Atlantic Homeless Alliance (“AHA”) operates as the main access point in Atlantic County for those facing homelessness or the threat of it. Working in partnership with the Atlantic County Board of Social Services, JFS assesses the needs of each person and crafts a tailored plan aimed at overcoming their specific homelessness challenges.

AHA is funded by Atlantic County Board of Social Services, as well as the federal government and private donations. Since its inception, the program has served more than 14,000 individuals – over 2,500 in 2023 alone – with housing-related services.

The process typically begins with staff connecting with individuals in need – either in the office or out in the community. We often receive calls from renters, homeowners, relatives, and even landlords. After reviewing the specifics of the client’s situation, our staff members will develop an individualized support plan with the primary goal of addressing client concerns – the underlying reasons for housing insecurity or homelessness –and challenges relating to homelessness. Our AHA staff has extensive knowledge of JFS and other community resources for individuals in order to obtain person-centered services. We work with various partners to assist with, among other necessities, healthcare, county benefits, food, mental health, substance use disorders, and domestic violence.

There are only two requirements:  (1) you must be a resident of Atlantic County, and (2) you must be experiencing or at immediate risk of homelessness.

AHA Services & Programs

AHA brings together both public and private funding to provide seamless and effective support. This ensures that those experiencing or are susceptible to homelessness have access to coordinated services, helping them avoid homelessness or secure steady housing. Among the services provided are:
Our staff works one-on-one to conduct a coordinated assessment. The team develops an individualized housing stability plan which includes collaborating with other county resources and connecting to emergency shelter. Referrals for services and housing are based on community resources and may include financial assistance/income, healthcare services, and case management.
For individuals in an active eviction case and who meet Department of Community Affairs requirements, JFS works with South Jersey Legal Services and Community Health Law Project to create sustainability plans and connections to financial resources.
Review current resources and link people with, among other things, emergency assistance, employment support, and financial assistance.

Temporary assistance for low- and moderate-income households who are experiencing homelessness or are facing eviction due to unforeseen financial difficulties, like a sudden loss of income. Eligibility for this assistance is determined and funded through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The program itself is administered through JFS grantee partnership for Atlantic County residents.

Temporary rental assistance and services to assist low-income individuals and families living on the streets or in emergency shelters with obtaining housing, or who need financial assistance with back rent due to pending eviction. Eligibility for this assistance is determined and funded through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The program itself is administered through JFS grantee partnership for Atlantic County residents.

AHA staff assists in locating appropriate housing due to strong relationships and communication with landlords and developers with additional application assistance, and coordination of security deposit and utility payments.

We help individuals obtain the necessary identification (e.g., government-issued photo ID, social security cards, birth certificates, proof of immigration status) in order to obtain housing.

Our team members actively reach out to connect with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by being present and conducting outreach regularly in common public areas and providing ongoing case management. PATH is funded by Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS).

We assist individuals in returning to their home communities to reconnect with friends, family, and support systems. Travel assistance covers bus, train or plane tickets through the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

JFS staff members work in coordination with JIS at AHA to assist with community re-entry when the individual does not have steady housing upon their release. For additional information on JIS please click here. 

Learn all AHA programs:

CALL 609-343-2282 or visit

Atlantic County Office Building
1333 Atlantic Avenue, 1st Floor
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Hosted and supported by: Atlantic County Government