County of Union, New Jersey

Tenants can apply for assistance beginning August 2; landlords must also register.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners has launched a new grant program to provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent and utility bills.

The funds will be awarded to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are eligible for the grant.

Landlords and tenants are encouraged to register for this program in order to expedite the grant process. The registration portal for landlords opened on Monday, July 26, at ucnj.org/rental-assistance. The application portal for tenants will open on Monday, August 2, also at ucnj.org/rental-assistance.

“Our goal is to get the word out to every building with tenants who are qualified to participate in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and get relief to those who need it as quickly as possible. We strongly encourage landlords and tenants to communicate with each other about the availability of relief through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, so applications can be reviewed without delay,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The landlord and the tenant portals will both remain open throughout the application phase of the program. The portals include guidance on assembling the information and documents necessary to apply for funding.

To qualify for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
• Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

Once the application is submitted, applicants will be notified of the funding decision. If approved, the funds will be provided to the landlord or utility provider on their behalf.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded through the Federal CARES Act for COVID-19 emergency relief. Additional CARES Act programs created by the Commissioner Board include child care assistance for low-income families and respite assistance for those caring for children with special needs and disabilities, and as well as grants for libraries, schools, restaurants and other small businesses, and non-profit organizations.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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 – A traveling outdoor gallery of historic photos will make its way to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield this week, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Union County parks system. Visitors can view the photos arrayed along walking paths from August 2 to August 6.

“These photographs document the tremendous effort that has gone into preserving land for public recreation and nature conservation in our community, ever since the first County-owned parks were established 100 years ago,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the exhibit inspires visitors to carry on this legacy, and help preserve and protect our parks for the next generation.”

The first parks in Union County’s park system were constructed in the 1920’s, as local conservationists became alarmed over the impacts of rapid development in the area. The initial plans called for five parks and 2,000 acres of preserved land, a number that quickly grew to more than 4,000 acres by 1930.

Since then, generations of Union County voters have approved a series of measures to create new parks and add more land to the park system.

The Union County park system today consists of 36 parks totaling almost 6,200 acres, containing lakes and streams for fishing and boating along with hiking trails, paved multi-use paths, athletic fields, golf courses, and many unique features including an Olympic scale archery range, the Watchung public riding stables, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and the Deserted Village of Feltville.

The traveling exhibit was prepared by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

A smaller version of each display will be exhibited at the Family Fun and Flix movie series. The exhibit has already visited Oak Ridge Park, Warinanco Park and Rahway River Park. The exhibit will also visit Echo Lake Park, Nomahegan Park and Conant Park in August.

For more information about Union County parks, including information about the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-527-4900.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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 is pleased to announce that applications for the 2022 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars for projects related to local history, the arts and humanities.

The HEART Grant Program was created to encourage a thriving environment for the arts and cultural activities. This program serves as a catalyst to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their capacity to provide innovative projects relating to history, the arts and humanities, developing Union County as a center for innovation and excellence in arts and culture.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups. The services they provide directly benefit the residents of Union County and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities.”

Organizations can request up to $2,500 (with a 25% cash match for anything over $1,000). Individuals can request up to $1,000 (no cash match required).

Activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2022, are eligible for funding consideration. All applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. Application deadline is October 19, 2021.

Applicants are asked to be aware that all projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

For more information on eligibility, the application and other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711.

To receive the 2022 HEART Grant guidelines and writable application form, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

Free COVID-19 shots for County residents offered at National Night Out event in Hillside, August 3.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking free COVID-19 vaccines now have four pop-up vaccination clinics to choose from this week. The newest addition to the schedule is a pop-up clinic on Tuesday, August 3 in Hillside from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the National Night Out event at Bristol Myers Park, located at 274 Hillside Avenue. The Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines will both be available.

“We want everyone to know that free, convenient vaccination clinics are available to all Union County residents who need their shot,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As we see from the rising new wave of infections, vaccination is the only effective way to protect against this deadly virus. Health care providers and other businesses are asking their workers to get vaccinated, and our clinics help ensure that vaccines are available to all.”

“The Board of County Commissioners is working to provide our residents with convenient options and opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Vaccination reduces the risk of severe infection as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging variants. We ask that residents do their part by getting vaccinated and encouraging friends and family to do so as well.”

The Union County Mobile Vaccination Unit is scheduled to be at a total of four locations between July 30 and August 5.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following pop-up clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Friday, July 30 in Hillside at AAK Food Services, 465 Hillside Avenue (clinic will be across the street from back entrance on Ramsey Avenue), 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Scotch Plains at Scotch Plains/Fanwood District High School, 667 Westfield Road, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Hillside at Bristol Myers Park, 274 Hillside Avenue, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer).
• Thursday, August 5 in Elizabeth at Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines), in partnership with United Way

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Please note that COVID-19 saliva tests will also be available at all pop-up vaccination clinics beginning next week.

Union County residents can also get vaccinated free of charge at any of three permanent vaccine sites run by the County: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer).

To schedule an appointment at any of the permanents sites, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in Hillside, Scotch Plains and Elizabeth; all Union County residents can use any of these clinics.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free COVID-19 vaccines are available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County. The next three pop-up clinics will be held in Hillside on July 30, in Scotch Plains on August 3, and in Elizabeth on August 5.

All unvaccinated residents are strongly urged to get their jab as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. In addition to the pop-up clinics, all residents can get vaccinated at Union County’s three permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous COVID-19 variants, and cases are once again rising in New Jersey and elsewhere,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Everyone in our community can help turn the situation around by getting vaccinated, and by encouraging family and friends to get their shot, too.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“Vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with updated information about vaccination as well various options for those looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Friday, July 30 in Hillside at AAK Food Services, 465 Hillside Avenue, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Scotch Plains at Scotch Plains/Fanwood District High School, 667 Westfield Road, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Thursday, August 5 in Elizabeth at Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines), in partnership with United Way

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

COVID-19 vaccines also continue to be available by appointment at Union County’s three permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer).

To schedule an appointment at any of the permanents sites, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

New toll-free number available to make appointments during business hours, and leave callback messages after hours.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are home bound or have difficulty leaving their home can use a new toll-free number to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at home. The number to call is 1-833-256-2478, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The service is available to all home bound Union County residents free of charge, as part of the Union County Commissioner Board’s efforts to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach every household in the community  as quickly as possible. There is no income eligibility cutoff.

“The Commissioner Board is determined to help get the COVID-19 vaccines to our residents without delay, and the new toll free number removes barriers to access for people who would otherwise find it difficult if not impossible to travel to a vaccination clinic,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please don’t hesitate to call 1-833-256-2478 if you need help getting vaccinated at home.”

The home vaccination service is offered by the Commissioner Board through the firm Mobile Medical Services & Technology. Mobile Medical Services currently provides a choice of all three vaccines approved for use in the United States: Pfizer (ages 12 and older), Moderna (ages 18 and older), and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18 and older).

To request an appointment, home bound residents can call Mobile Medical Services at 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator. Appointments are generally available within five days or less.

Residents can also contact Mobile Medical Services by email at vaccine@mmst.io to request a callback for an appointment. In addition, residents can call 1-833-256-2478 during off-hours to leave a voice message requesting a callback. Messages are returned on the following business day.

“We are excited to partner with Union County to bring a comprehensive homebound COVID-19 vaccination program. Patient feedback has been incredible, and it feels great to be able to meet people where they are.” said Madeline De Ferrari, Founder and CEO of Mobile Medical Services & Technology.

Seniors and residents with disabilities who have additional questions are welcome to contact the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources for assistance at 1-888-280-8226 during regular weekday business hours.

The Commissioner Board strongly urges residents who have not been vaccinated to get their jab as soon as possible, as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge and spread.

Union County residents who do not need a home visit can use any of the free vaccination clinics established by the Commissioner Board, including three permanent vaccination sites and a mobile unit that comes to different municipalities on a rotating basis. To book an appointment online at any of these sites, and to see locations and hours of operation, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Any resident who needs help making an appointment at a Union County vaccination site can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance, at 908-613-7829 during regular business hours.

More information about Mobile Medical Services is available at mobilemedservices.co.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, 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.

Tickets to Red Bulls pro soccer match offered to Union County residents at $30.00 per person; ticket price includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite special needs residents and their families to “A Night Out with the NY Red Bulls,” a New Jersey-based soccer team, in support of Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to support the annual Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for their home state team on August 28.”

“The Red Bulls event provides residents with an exciting community activity in a welcoming environment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Need to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community.”

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including a new series of special sessions for children at Union County’s Wheeler Spray Park in Linden.

Red Bulls Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The August 28 match will see the Red Bulls face the Chicago Fire FC.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Awareness Night is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which is providing a limited number of tickets at a cost of $30.00 per person. The price of the ticket includes a $10 food voucher for use at the venue.

Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services.

For more details and a list of programs, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

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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.