Housing & Shelter

SHIP provides emergency housing or associated services for those that are homeless, or in eminent danger of becoming homeless, in the Somerset County region as our resources permit. 

Poverty remains the primary cause of homelessness.  SHIP’s ministry provides compassionate and meaningful assistance to the poor, vulnerable and those in need, that are sanctioned or shunned by others.

COOPERATIVE SERVICING PLAN: Many lower income earning families and individuals are without the cash reserves needed to reestablish themselves once they become homeless.  The service leverages small donations from supporting faith communities, agencies and individuals which matching funding from SHIP.  This has proven to be a more cost-effective course, when possible, than lengthy and substantially more costly alternatives.

HOME LOCATOR SERVICE: This service gathers the information necessary to increase and update a list of affordable housing opportunities in the county.  A list of available rooms, apartments, and homes for rent is made available to clients and staff.  This information is obtained from a variety of sources that include newspapers, electronic and printed media, word of mouth, staff, volunteers, other agencies, and direct contact with providers.

SHELTER LOSS INTERVENTION: SHIP’s guests (clients) in need of emergency housing are placed in area motels, hotels, boarding homes and other off-site premises as your donations permit.  In compliance with public safety regulation guests are never housed at our Drop-in-Center.