50 Family Challenge | Arm In Arm

Today, nearly 39% of New Jersey households are working families who still struggle to afford food and housing. Arm In Arm receives more than 250 calls each month from families seeking housing stability support.

In Trenton, a two bedroom apartment averages over $2,000/month, requiring a $81,000 salary– far above what many working families earn. 90% of the families Arm In Arm helps with housing assistance are led by single parents surviving on only one income. For these families, the struggle is real and present.

Our Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stability services made the following impact in FY26:

Prevented eviction for 152 households by providing rental assistance
Assisted 26 households with security deposits to obtain housing
Supported 84 families (121+ children) with emergency services and temporary housing in collaboration with the Trenton Board of Education’s Parent Connect Program

Click the links below to read real stories of families we have helped.

For hourly workers, scheduling changes can have serious consequences.

For Gayle, an older adult living independently, this program provided a critical lifeline. After her waitressing hours were reduced, she fell behind on rent for the first time and faced eviction. Arm In Arm provided financial assistance and case management that helped her remain housed while securing temporary work as a caregiver until her waitressing hours return. As a result, she was able to maintain her independence and avoid the trauma and disruption of homelessness.

Today an unexpected move can threaten low-income families with homelessness.

Rochelle had done everything right. She works full-time as a nursing assistant, earning $24 an hour while raising two children on her own. She budgets every paycheck down to the dollar– rent, childcare, groceries, gas– doing everything she can to keep her family stable. But the day she learned her lease wouldn’t be renewed, everything she’d worked so hard to build was suddenly at risk. She found a new apartment quickly. But before she could move in, she needed several thousand dollars for a security deposit, first month’s rent, and moving expenses. Even with full-time wages and careful budgeting, coming up with that much money all at once was impossible. “I work hard. I take care of my kids. I’ve never asked for help before,” she told us. “But I didn’t know what else to do.” Because of supporters like you, Rochelle received emergency financial assistance and case management that helped her bridge the crisis and move her family into a safe, stable home. Today, she’s back on track: working, budgeting, and building the future she’s fought so hard for.

90% of the families we help with housing assistance are single parent households

Henry is a single father who first came to Arm In Arm through Parent Connect, which serves homeless families with children attending Trenton Public Schools. He and his daughter were living in a motel, paying over $1,700 a month, making it nearly impossible to save for a security deposit. When he found an apartment, we helped him secure it and provided case management through our Housing Stability Case Management program to get him back on his feet. Henry successfully maintained his housing until his employer temporarily closed for renovation, and his income was reduced. He fell behind on rent but immediately reached out for help navigating the options available to him. We were able to assist with rental arrears, so he and his daughter could maintain their housing and avoid eviction. Henry returned to work and has again achieved stability. We were impressed by his quick response, and grateful he turned to us for help — knowing his community would stand beside him.

Every dollar counts just as every family counts.

Each family has their own story and unique circumstances, and Arm In Arm is dedicated to providing more than just financial aid – we offer HOPE and the real chance for a stable future.

Johnson & Johnson has committed to matching giving up to $25,000.