About People First! People First!, formerly known as Transitional Housing Services, is a homeless shelter provider offering a full range of supportive services to the individuals and families in our housing program. Since our beginning, we have housed over 5,000 persons from over 2,500 individual and family units. We operate seventy properties throughout the area. On an average daily basis we house over 180 people from fifty or more housing units. Our residents receive life-skills training, personal one-on-one counseling, education in the areas of finance and budgeting, food, assistance in obtaining housing and employment, transportation, referral to other service programs, and crisis intervention. We operate more than sixty residential units, mostly single family homes, in communities throughout Burlington County and now expanding into Camden County. We have four case managers, eight additional staff, and five live-in resident managers who oversee our multiple-family houses. We are continually seeking to obtain more homes for use in our housing program. We would like to see families in transition living in the same communities where they grew up, in the same neighborhoods where they once lived, and in the places where they would like to live when they begin to once again thrive on their own. Over the years we have faced opposition from many residents and local municipal governments who tried to prevent us from housing homeless families in their communities. We have overcome many obstacles the past twenty years but, unfortunately, there were some battles that could not be won. We have learned from our experience, and continue to challenge the stereotypes that society holds about homelessness, and continue in our advocacy for support for homeless families and individuals. We believe that communities must learn to accept and embrace those who are homeless, always remembering that any person can face difficult times in their life. We should be willing to help those needing our assistance, for one day they may be the very people we look to for help when we are down on our luck. General Information People First, Inc. is not a walk-in shelter. Individuals and families are placed in our housing through their Board of Social Services. If you are seeking assistance or emergency housing, please contact your local Board (phone numbers for New Jersey county boards located here) or dial 2-1-1 to reach the CONTACT 24-hour referral assistance hotline. Those clients who are eligible for housing assistance may be placed with People First or other agencies in the area offering supportive housing for whatever term is determined by Social Services . Our clients are placed into homes as they are available, in towns where they are available. This sometimes requires children to change school districts or bus routes, a situation which we cannot avoid. Residents are required to sign a housing contract, agreeing to the rules and policies of the People First program. Residents receive supervision and supportive services through their People First case manager, who will regularly meet with clients in our office or in the home. The Salt & Light Company, Inc. provides property maintenance for all housing units operated by People First, including emergency calls and repairs.
Individuals and Families Looking for Assistance People First and The Affordable Homes Group, Inc. are part of a county-wide network of organizations available to assist those in need. If you or your family are looking for assistance, please visit our fellow organizations: CONTACT of Burlington County provides 24-hour referral assistance to callers seeking resources and links to the appropriate agencies. To reach contact, dial 2-1-1 or visit the CONTACT of Burlington County website.
People Firsts Seeks Community Help People First accepts donations for our housing program. Will will accept donations of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, children's school supplies, children's Christmas and holiday presents, house wares (including dishes, silverware, pots & pans), functioning household appliances, and certain furniture items (including sofas and living room pieces, dining tables and chairs, dressers, & beds). We do not accept donations of clothing, however, there are other agencies in the county that we recommend you contact if you have such items to give. Please see our Directory of Social Services for contact information for these agencies. We will gladly pick up donations of furniture and house wares. If you have items you would like to donate, please call our sister company, The Salt & Light Company, at (609) 261-4571. |
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The Affordable Homes Group, Inc. and all of its member companies is an equal opportunity housing provider. All persons are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
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