A much-needed resource providing low-income housing and food assistance to Hoboken neighbors in need.
The Hoboken Community Center (1301 Washington St. Hoboken NJ) is a not-for-profit organization offering several crucial services designed to lend aid to our neighbors in need. Established in 1927 as the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA, they initially served the dual purposes of providing housing to low-income men and offering recreational programs for the local community. The YMCA officially closed in March 2010 due to budgetary shortcomings. The building was then acquired by The Hoboken Community Center.
Since that time, the center has been a much-needed resource to the Hoboken community. I’ve been aware of the organization for years. I knew the impact their Pantry — which provides food, hygiene and pet supplies — has had on community members experiencing hardships. I’ve even dropped off donations myself. What I wasn’t aware of (and I can only blame myself for this) was the role they continue to play in making temporary, affordable housing available for low-income men in Hoboken.
Housing:
Keeping with the original mission of the YMCA and following renovations in December 2012, a total of 96 single, furnished units opened with shared central bathrooms. Unlike many other affordable housing programs, they do not receive funds from The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. What they rely on instead are rental payments and private donations.
Pantry:
In 2019, they opened their first pantry to distribute supplemental food to the residents of their housing program. Soon after, the extent of food insecurity among Hoboken senior citizens became evident. In March 2020, the onset of Covid exposed an even greater need among the larger community. They now offer food assistance to anyone in the community who needs it. They also provide personal hygiene supplies and pet necessities.
How to Help:
The more I read about The Hoboken Community Center, the more proud I am to have such a resource available in my city. If you’d like to show support, they’re always in need of non-perishable food, hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, pet supplies, and (of course) money. Donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 9am-11am at 1301 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ (side entrance on 13th St.). For a more complete list on what they accept and ways you can volunteer to lend a hand, check out their website’s ‘Get Involved’ page.
Cheers!
Stephen
Website -> hobokencc.org
Get Involved -> hobokencc.org/get-involved
Instagram -> instagram.com/hobokencommunitycenter
Facebook -> facebook.com/hobokencommunityctr
TikTok -> tiktok.com/@hobokencommunitycenter
