Blog
Learn more about our blog
Welcome to NJ 211's Blog! Explore different topics surrounding our organization, including:
- Program highlights
- Team member and partner introductions
- Specific updates for our New Jersey neighbors
Details about 211 on a larger scale
and more!
Check out our Blog Archives for more.
Program Highlight: Home Energy Assistance Hotline
Facing utility bills can be stressful, but NJ 211’s Home Energy Assistance (HEA) Hotline works daily to help callers identify and navigate available energy assistance programs that can help lower bills and monthly costs.
Each fall, NJ 211 sees a rise in call volume for utility assistance due to programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opening their applications for the season. As we prepare for another season, we reflect on the HEA team's contributions last year in assisting help seekers statewide.
During October and November of 2025, the HEA team answered over 42,000 calls, a number that supports our findings of utility assistance being the top need that year for New Jersey help seekers. This data can be found directly through our public data dashboard - check it out!
In addition to manning the phones, HEA team members contributed to NJ 211’s outreach efforts during their busy season, traveling to several events that allow our resources to be shared and explored by communities on their home turf. Our presence at events like the NJ Board of Public Utilities' free Utility Assistance Day(s) connects us with people who, while primarily seeking assistance for their utility bills, may have additional unmet needs that our services could support them with.
A notable moment from the past season was our team’s efforts to resume mailing paper applications to make applying for assistance more accessible. This initiative formed when the team noticed an increase in calls during late October to early November from seniors who struggled to apply for programs online or travel to their local agencies. The HEA team’s commitment to going above and beyond for our callers allowed more people to find the assistance they needed in ways that worked for them best.
We're proud of the tremendous hard work and dedication our HEA Hotline team has that New Jersey residents can rely on! To learn more about our Home Energy Assistance Hotline, check out our program page.
Check out NJ 211's Data Dashboard!
As New Jersey's sole provider of the 211 service, we receive hundreds of calls, texts, chats, and emails from people across the state looking for help. Did you know you could get an inside look at what our call center sees on a month-to-month basis, right here on our website?
NJ 211's Data Dashboard is a unique tool that allows organizations, policymakers, community leaders, and everyday New Jerseyans to visualize every contact made to NJ 211. This real-time information can help leaders see what needs are greatest in their area and assist them with things like advocation for better policies, resources, and support for the people in their community.
Visitors can filter the dashboard by date, county or legislative district, and city. This makes it easy to look at information for the whole state or focus on a specific community. The dashboard includes information about contacts, clients/demographics, needs, and referrals. You can learn more about these data filters on our NJ 211 Data Dashboard page.
Explore our dashboard today! Scroll to the bottom of our Dashboard page to get started, located under the "Impact" tab on the main navigation bar.
Support for Those Stepping Up: Kinship Navigator Program
Are you caring for the child of a family member or friend? The Kinship Navigator Program may be a great resource for you!
The Kinship Navigator Program provides these caregivers with information, referrals, and assistance for things like financial and legal needs that can support the child in care, and even the caregiver themselves. The program requires the applicant to reapply every year beginning July 1st – making this a great time to explore the program if you have not already!
At NJ 211, our Community Resource Specialists can provide you with more information on the Kinship Navigator Program and help you sign up by completing the intake form with you. Once the form is submitted, your local agency will contact you within a few days with information about your eligibility and the next steps.
If you would like to learn more about our role and the Kinship Navigator Program, please visit our Kinship Navigator Program page.
Beat The Heat!
As the last few years have shown us, summertime can bring major seasonal heat to New Jersey. Here are some tips to help you navigate those scorching days!
- Hot temperatures on the horizon? Plan ahead and see what you can do before and during peak heat.
- Find a dedicated cooling center in your county with NJ 211.
- Information listed comes directly from official authorities across the state, sharing the most up to date information on emergency activations due to high temperatures and impending summer storms.
- Discover local places to cool off like state parks, beaches, libraries, and more with NJ Heat Hub’s “Chill Out NJ”.
- This resource shares a variety of free or low-cost options and allows users to search through an interactive map to find places of interest.
- Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke.
Being Prepared for a Disaster
Disasters of any kind can come without warning; preparedness cannot, and should not, be left up to luck. If you’re looking for a sign to revisit your family plan, or to update or build your emergency kit(s), this is it!
Are you starting an emergency preparedness plan from scratch?
- Make a Plan: Having a plan for when disaster strikes help to make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
- Build a Kit: A disaster kit can help you and your family survive on your own for several days. Include basic items that you may need in the event of an emergency and store the kit in a designated spot that is easily accessible.
- Triple up on your emergency preparedness by creating an emergency kit for the car and one for your place of work.
- Establish ways to stay informed: Download apps like the FEMA app to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service and sign up for text messages to get updates from FEMA. Make sure your electronics are charged or have a backup battery available to keep yourself connected!
- For New Jersey specific information, visit New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) tips for staying informed.
NJ 211 has created several webpages dedicated to disaster response:
- Disaster Preparation and Safety Tips for staying safe before and during a disaster
- Emergency Preparedness Tips for national and county resources
- For NJ residents with Behavioral Health Needs: Disaster Resources
- For NJ residents with a Disability: NJ Register Ready
For more important tips and guidance in creating an emergency plan, visit:
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management | ReadyNJ for Preparedness Tips from NJOEM
- Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov for Preparedness Tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security