#GivingTuesday: Bridgewater-Based Organization Helps Prevent Homelessness In Somerset, Union Counties

By Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff) – November 29, 2016 2:12 pm ET

HomeSharing has helped more than 20,000 people avoid homelessness in Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Union, Essex, Passaic counties

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — HomeSharing, a non-profit organization based in Bridgewater, has helped more than 20,000 people avoid homelessness in Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Union and parts of Essex and Passaic counties.

Executive Director of HomeSharing Lisa Blum says the organization is always looking for volunteers or donations especially on #GivingTuesday – a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

“We are always looking for volunteers on all levels to help with office work, reference checks, to become board members and more,” Blum said. “Donations as well.”

HomeSharing, a 501(c)(3), was founded in Bridgewater in 1984 to offer affordable housing solutions to medically, emotionally and financially vulnerable individuals.

The “Providers” are residents who need to share their homes or apartments in order to maintain them; and “Seekers” are individuals searching for affordable housing in the community.

HomeSharing is also committed to assisting its clients in locating and utilizing other resources such as the Food Bank, low-cost medical care, and other support services.

The organization’s services are provided free of charge to clients.

Now the agency has grown to offer services in many counties but only has a few employees. Blum noted the agency has three social workers who work in six counties. So the majority of help comes from volunteers.

To volunteer or to donate visit https://homesharing.org/ or call (908) 526-4663 or email HomeSharing@verizon.net.

(Image via Shutterstock)