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GET HELP

GET HELP

Our organization is committed to providing food and essential groceries to individuals in need. We uphold high standards, treating our guests with the respect and care we would expect for ourselves, fostering an atmosphere of empathy, compassion, and dignity. Our mission is to alleviate the burden of food insecurity and reduce stress for those we serve, enabling them to focus on other challenges they may face. Additionally, we strive to offer access to resources and services that can help individuals overcome these obstacles.

ELIGIBILTY FOR
ASSISTANCE

At Hands of Hope for the Community, we receive food from various sources and organizations across the state of New Jersey. To ensure a steady flow of donations, we adhere to the specific eligibility criteria established by each source and organization.

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RESIDENCY

REQUIREMENTS

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All clients must reside within Middlesex County, New Jersey. Proof of residency is required to ensure that we are serving members of our local community. (A comprehensive list of towns in Middlesex County can be found here.)

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Proof of Residency: Clients must present one of the following forms of documentation to verify residency:

  • Pay Stub: A recent pay stub showing your current address within Middlesex County.

  • Rent Receipt or Mortgage Statement: A recent rent receipt or mortgage statement that includes your address within Middlesex County.

  • State Issued ID Card: A state-issued identification card displaying your address within Middlesex County.

  • State Issued Driver's License: A state-issued driver's license with your address within Middlesex County.

  • Utility Bill: A utility bill (such as water, gas, or electric) dated within the past 60 days, showing your address within Middlesex County.

INCOME
ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for food assistance, you must meet the following income limits based on your household size. The income limits are established to ensure that we provide support to those who need it most. Please review the chart below to determine if your household qualifies:

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  • For a household of one, the maximum allowable income is $25142.

  • For a household of two, the maximum allowable income is $33874.

  • For a household of three, the maximum allowable income is $42,606.

  • For a household of four, the maximum allowable income is $51,338.

  • For a household of five, the maximum allowable income is $60,070.

  • For a household of six, the maximum allowable income is $68,802.

  • For a household of seven, the maximum allowable income is $77,533.

  • For households greater than eight individuals the maximum allowable income is $86,266. It increases by $8,732 for each additional member.

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These income limits are based on guidelines that help us ensure our resources are directed to those most in need. If your household income falls within these limits, you are eligible to receive food assistance from our organization. We are committed to supporting our community and helping those who are facing food insecurity.

OTHER
ElLIGIBILITY

In addition to income and residency requirements, clients must meet be receiving assistance from one of the government programs below to receive food​

  • Disaster (Can Be Divorce, Domestic Violence, Unusal Expense, Loss Of Employment)

  • Medicaid

  • SNAP/Food Stamps

  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance For Needy Famlies)

  • WIC (Woman, Infants & Children)

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RULES & CONDUCT

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  • We serve each client household once per distribution, regardless of the number of individuals at the address. At check-in, all household members must be registered and listed on your account. For those in multi-unit buildings or renting space, additional residence details (e.g., Unit #, Apartment #, Basement) must be provided.

  • Each client receives a pantry membership card, which is unique to your household and must be presented at every visit. Protect this card, and report any loss immediately to Hands Of Hope.

  • Violating the one-visit-per-distribution rule will result in being denied service.

  • Clients will receive enough non-perishable food to last until the next scheduled distribution. Based on availability, hot lunches or special products may be provided, but these are not guaranteed and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Any household intentionally violating Hands Of Hope policies risks being banned. Clients who are abusive or disruptive will be asked to leave.

  • Hands Of Hope For The Community is entirely volunteer-run and relies on donations. Due to limited resources, we reserve the right to refuse service at any time and for any reason.

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