Hunterdon County Department of Human Services receives nearly $1.58M in grants to support seniors, most vulnerable

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners recently authorized the Hunterdon County Department of Human Services to receive several state grant funds from the New Jersey State Department of Human Services, for the periods of Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025. Monies from these funds will benefit various county sponsored services for the Division of Senior, Disabilities, and Veteran Services and aid the most vulnerable.

Hunterdon County will receive grant funds through the state for the following programs:

• The largest grant agreement is in the amount of $872,658.00, is to support County Senior Programs and third-party contracts for older adults to supply meal delivery programs, social activities, exercise classes, and various other programs in the county.
• 2024 Statewide Respite Care Program, in the amount of $184,000.00, will assist with payment of short-term respite services that provide caregivers a rest from caregiving to take care of their own needs, while providing access to safe temporary care for their loved ones.
• Job Access Reverse Commute funding will be used to support LINK operations for residents traveling to and from work, in the amount of $135,000.00, with a local county match of the same amount.
• Hunterdon County Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Use Plan, a 3-year grant in the amount of $208,960.00. Monies will be used for data collection and to outline a plan for the implementation of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery plans regarding substance abuse.
• Social Services for the Homeless through the Division of Family Development, to provide funding in the amount of $146,300.00, to support critical services including emergency housing, rentals, relocation, and utility assistance.
• Disaster Response Crisis Counseling a $30,000.00 grant to support marketing and training efforts to bolster volunteers in the county and retain Counselor’s trained to provide mental health resources to people impacted by a disaster.

Deputy Director Commissioner, and liaison to the Human Services Department, Jeff Kuhl said “We are grateful to Director for Department of Human Services, Meagan O’Reilly and her staff for their efforts and hard work in pursuing these important state grants. The funds received will serve to provide many critical services and help to improve the quality of life for those in our community in need.”

“The Hunterdon County Senior Center in particular offers a number of activities, including educational opportunities, recreation, arts, nutrition forums, and need based financial assistance through Social Services. These grant funds will help to continue that work,” Kuhl said.