County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Union County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida may be eligible for food assistance through New Jersey’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. The assistance is available to residents who are not currently enrolled in the SNAP program, and who meet income eligibility requirements.

Union County residents who live in Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union Township or Westfield may be eligible for assistance, which will be in the form of a one-month Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

“Many of those impacted by Tropical Storm Ida have also been struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance through D-SNAP will provide some much needed relief, and our staff will work to ensure that eligible residents receive their benefits as quickly as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella.

“Picking up the pieces after a disaster of the magnitude is a community effort that enlists every available resource. I would like to thank the New Jersey Department of Human Services for their diligence in getting approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to apply D-SNAP benefits, and staff of the Union County Department of Human Services staff who worked alongside them to make this happen for our residents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Board’s liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

The benefit can only be used to purchase grocery food items. The application period opens Monday, November 15 and runs through Friday, November 19.

To qualify for D-SNAP assistance, Union County residents in the impacted municipalities will need to show proof of identity, and proof of residency as of September 1, 2021 in the affected areas.

Applicants must also show that they paid for disaster related expenses during the month of September.

Eligibility for D-SNAP assistance also depends on household income. To determine their eligibility, households must add their net income for the month of September to liquid resources, such as bank accounts.

For example, if an individual’s net income for the month of September was $2,000 and they have $2,000 in a savings account, their combined income and resources for the month is $4,000. The D-SNAP income table below shows disaster income and resource combined limits based on household size:

Household Size           Disaster Income Limit in Sept.           Allotment Amount

1                                  $2,625                                                 $234

2                                  $3,410                                                 $430

3                                  $3,919                                                 $616

4                                  $4,619                                                 $782

5                                  $5,090                                                 $929

6                                  $5,685                                                 $1,114

7                                  $6,120                                                 $1,232

8                                  $6,553                                                 $1,408

Each added member:   +$433                                                 +$176

The application period for D-SNAP assistance in Union County will run from Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 19.

Union County’s Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services has organized two intake offices that will be open to applicants during this period, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

The offices are located in the Union County Services building at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park, and the Division of Social Services at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

Applicants are reminded to bring their documentation with them. For additional assistance, contact the Division of Social Services by phone at 908-965-2700.

D-SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service must approve states to operate D-SNAP in a disaster area.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Free COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all Union County residents age five and up.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that all residents, from age five on up, are now eligible to receive a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. Union County has added the 5-11 age group to its ongoing free vaccination program.

“The approval for ages 5-11 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step forward in our efforts to ensure that all Union County residents are protected against this lethal virus. We strongly encourage vaccination for everyone age five and up,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The Commissioner Board is committed to empowering Union County residents by making vaccinations and boosters available as soon as the necessary federal approvals are announced. The eligibility of the 5-11 age group is welcome news for parents with younger children,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee.

The Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11 will be available free of charge through the Union County COVID-9 clinic at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle. The Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up will also be available at this clinic.

Adults and children ages 12 and up in need of vaccinations, including booster shots, can continue to use the Union County COVID-19 clinic located at Downs Hall at the Kean University campus, at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Union County’s mobile vaccination clinic will also continue to provide vaccinations to adults and children ages 12 and up.

To make an appointment at the Warinanco Sports Center, Downs Hall, or any of the mobile clinic locations, visit ucnj.org/vax to set up an account and book an appointment online.

The Union County COVID-19 Call Center is available to offer additional assistance by phone during regular business hours, at 908-613-7829.

The mobile clinic for ages 12 and up will be visiting the following locations in the coming weeks. Please note that any age-eligible Union County can make an appointment at any of these clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Roselle: Sunday, November 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Heard AME Church, 310 East Eighth Avenue.
• Roselle Park: Wednesday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street.
• Union Township: Wednesday, November 10, 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. at Union Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court.
• Plainfield: Saturday, November 13, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue.
• Union Township: Saturday, November 20, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in conjunction with COVID-19 emergency food distribution event at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue.
• Plainfield: Sunday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with COVID-19 emergency food distribution event at Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 West Second Street.
• Union Township: Saturday, December 4, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in conjunction with COVID-19 emergency food distribution event at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue.
• Union Township: Saturday, December 18, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in conjunction with COVID-19 emergency food distribution event at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue.
• Plainfield: Sunday, December 19, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in conjunction with COVID-19 emergency food distribution event at Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 West Second Street)

Union County residents can visit any one of the mobile vaccination sites to receive a free COVID-19 test. Free COVID-19 tests are also available at the Kean University campus in Union Township and Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield. For more information visit ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-testing-options.

Residents who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The COVID-19 virus and its variants are still actively circulating throughout New Jersey and elsewhere.

Vaccination has proven to significantly reduce the risk of death from COVID-19, as well as reducing the risk of permanent, long term health impacts and avoiding the financial consequences of hospitalization and follow-up care.

Unvaccinated residents can get their free COVID-19 shots by setting up an account at ucnj.org/covid19/vax and making an appointment.

At the present time, Union County’s free vaccination program is offering the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to residents seeking their first or second shot. The Moderna vaccine is currently being offered only as a booster for vaccinated residents.

Vaccines and booster shots are also available at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. This clinic is available to income-eligible households. Call (908) 965-3627/3868 during regular business hours for more details.

Union County residents who have difficulty leaving the home may be eligible for a vaccination visit. Call Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services, at 833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, or call after hours to leave a voice message for a callback. Requests for a callback can also be emailed to  vaccine@mmst.io.

Residents seeking to use Union County’s free COVID-19 testing program at Downs Hall on the Kean University campus are advised that the clinic will be closed on Veterans Day, Thursday November 11. Instead, testing will be available on Friday, November 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no testing at Downs Hall on Thursday, November 25. Instead, testing will be available on Wednesday, November 24, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents, business owners and non-profit managers to submit nominations for the 30^th annual Women of Excellence awards. The nomination period will run from Monday, November 1, to Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

The Women of Excellence awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County. The awards are given out to women who have made strides for significant enhancements of the lives of the members of the community in which they work or live by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

“The Women of Excellence program highlights the significant contributions of women to life in Union County across many different fields of activity, raises awareness about the continued need make progress on diversity and equality, and helps inspire the next generation of achievers and change makers,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“For 30 years, the Union County Women of Excellence Awards has shown just how vital women in leadership roles have been to the growth and improvement of our communities,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. “I look forward to reading the many amazing accomplishments made by this year’s nominees.”

Women currently make up the majority of the Commissioner Board, holding six of nine seats.

Women of Excellence nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County. Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies are all invited to submit nominations in a variety of fields.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women.

For more information and to use the application form for online nomination submissions, visit ucnj.org/women.

The program also continues to accept nominations by mail, through the Union County Office on Women, 3^rd Floor, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. All nominations sent by mail must be received by December 1, 2021 for consideration.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

First county-based program of its kind in New Jersey includes outreach and guidance on additional resources for unhoused persons to achieve self-sufficiency.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners has launched the Fresh Start mobile program, providing shower, laundry and restroom facilities to persons who are unhoused, along with guidance and resources on additional services that foster self-sufficiency.

The new program is the first mobile service of its kind to be offered in New Jersey.

“Personal care is something that is easy to take for granted, but for unhoused individuals it is a major challenge that makes it difficult to find a job, seek an education, or accomplish other important tasks,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the mobile Fresh Start unit, we can bring these essential services to those most in need, including children as well as adults.”

“We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to empower those among us who need a helping hand, and we anticipate that the Fresh Start service will make a significant difference. With the participation of our community partners, Fresh Start will enable us to reach out and connect unhoused individuals with additional resources and services,” said Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

“The mobility aspect makes the Fresh Start program stand out from others, in terms of ensuring that individuals in need can connect with services offered by Union County and our partners. The program brings essential resources to individuals in their communities, relieving them from the cost and constraints of having to arrange travel to centralized locations for assistance,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board’s Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

The Fresh Start program is part of Chairman Mirabella’s “Union County Rising” initiatives for 2021, aimed at maximizing countywide resources for response to the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing emerging needs in the areas of fiscal planning, public safety, education, economic development and opportunity, and inclusion and diversity in addition to human services.

The centerpiece of Fresh Start is a mobile trailer equipped with bathroom and shower units as well as laundry facilities. It is operated and maintained in accordance with standards for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The Fresh Start trailer serves as a portal and contact platform for a continuum of resources leading to self-sufficiency, including emergency shelter and clothing in addition to ongoing resources including mental health, housing, and employment assistance.

The trailer can also provide essential services to Union County residents who are displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies, in addition to providing services to those in financial need.

In collaboration with community partners, Fresh Start coordinates a wide variety resources within County government including the Division of Social Services, Division on Aging, Office on Women, and Office of Veterans Services.

More than a dozen external partners have already engaged with the program including Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, Salvation Army (Elizabeth, Union and Plainfield branches), Urban League, Gateway Family YMCA and YWCA Union County among others.

Chamber of Commerce partners include Gateway Regional Chamber, Suburban, Elizabeth, Union and Cranford. The Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs have also partnered with the program.

The Fresh Start trailer visits locations throughout Union County on request. Agencies and organizations that are interested in a visit can send a request via email to freshstart@ucnj.org.

Additional details are available through the Union County Department of Human Services at https://ucnj.org/dhs/fresh-start.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.