862-229-1400
101 Fourteenth Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103 

Better Life, which began serving members of the community in 2018, has three distinct offerings.

The Better Life Engagement Center welcomes any individual experiencing homelessness. Staff members help visitors obtain documents, find permanent housing, search for jobs, write resumes and prepare for interviews. Visitors receive food, water and coffee and can participate in group activities. The Engagement Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and welcomes any individual experiencing homelessness in the area.

Essex County Wellness Respite Services is available for individuals in crisis who have mental health or substance abuse issues. The program offers 10-day stays in private bedrooms and teaches guests skills to cope with their issues while providing a place to relax and reset to get back on their feet.

The second floor of Better Life provides supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals. Residents are referred to the facility from the emergency department of University Hospital. 

New Community built, owns and manages the Better Life building and contracts with Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) as the service provider.