West and Central Community Resource Hub
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark’s West and Central Village Community Resource Hub
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark’s (HFHGN) Neighborhood Revitalization Program, a resident driven strategy located in the West and Central Ward of Newark. Our focus neighborhood, known as the West and Central Village, was created as a result of our Wells Fargo Foundation planning grant several years ago. Our 3 square mile catchment area begins at the corner of South Orange Ave and Bergen Street, heads West to the corner of 20th Street, then turns South onto 18th Ave, then East on Springfield Ave20th and back North to the starting point of South Orange Ave and Bergen Street. Our Community Resource Coordinator at the Hub is an area resident and leader in the community, ensuring that programs and activities align with community needs.
In 2024 we completed modifications to our West and Central Village Community Resource Hub with a grant from The Healthcare Foundation of NJ, allowing us to extend our reach in the West & Central Wards of Newark. Our goal is to create a community space through the West & Central Village Community Resource Hub that reflects the needs and values of our residents. By making modifications to the Hub, we have enhanced its welcoming atmosphere and increased its capacity to support individuals with food assistance, healthcare referrals, and community programming. Expanding the food pantry allows us to open twice a week and increase our storage for both nonperishable and perishable items. This expansion also facilitates partnerships with organizations such as Greater Newark Conservancy, who supports our Food Pantry with fresh produce on a weekly basis, enabling us to serve an additional 65-80 individuals. In addition, we partnered with Howards Mission, who provides toiletries, new under garments, clothing, and feminine products to the residents of the community for our Distribution Days.
Habitat Greater Newark’s West and Central Village Community Resource Hub is a critical asset for the residents of our neighborhood, providing a voice, stability, and life changing programs and services. Our ID Restoration Program has provided over 3,000 IDs to residents including birth certificates, social security cards and driver’s licenses. These documents are crucial for individuals applying for a job or looking to change their lives by entering rehab. Our Community Resource Hub also offers a computer lab, available two days a week, for students, job seekers, and those needing assistance with court proceedings or tax filings. The Hub also promotes healthy living through workshops, activities, and outreach efforts, including educating residents on the importance of obtaining health insurance.
In partnership with University Hospital, our Health and Wellness events have provided vital resources such as health screenings, wellness education, and support for residents of all ages. These efforts were made possible through new partnerships with local healthcare organizations, enabling us to offer nutrition counseling, mental health support, and preventative care.
Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm
Thursday 9 am to 5 pm
What is Neighborhood Revitalization?
Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) is a community development effort that strives to enhance the quality of life for the entire neighborhood and everyone who lives there by nurturing ongoing civic engagement and sourcing resident-driven solutions in order to establish a sustainable, healthy community.
