West and Central Community Resource Hub
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark’s West and Central Village Community Resource Hub
The West & Central Village Community Resource Hub is a neighborhood resource center operated by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark. Located on the border of Newark’s West and Central Wards, the Hub connects residents with essential resources, services, and programs that support individuals and families, promote stability, and strengthen the surrounding community.
The Community Resource Hub was developed as part of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, a resident-driven approach to community development focused on identifying and addressing neighborhood needs and priorities.
The West and Central Village focus area was first selected in 2012.
With support from a Regional Foundation planning grant, HFHGN opened the Hub’s doors to community members in 2019.
In 2020, in response to the increased food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hub expanded its services by opening a community food pantry operating on a weekly basis.
Through grant funding from the Healthcare Foundation of NJ, in 2025, HFHGN completed renovations to expand the Community Resource Hub and food pantry. Through partnerships with MEND NJ and Greater Newark Conservancy, HFHGN receives fresh produce and eggs biweekly, along with additional monthly produce pickups. These donations have enabled the growth of HFHGN’s food pantry, now servicing up to an additional 20 families every Wednesday, bringing us to 75-95 families served per week.
VISIT US
298 South Orange Ave.
Newark, NJ 07103
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & SERVICES
The West & Central Village Community Resource Hub offers a variety of resources and programs for residents, including:
Food Pantry
Our expanded Food Pantry provides food assistance to residents in the community. Improvements completed in 2025 increased the Hub’s storage capacity for both nonperishable and perishable food, allowing the pantry to operate twice a week.
Through a partnership with Greater Newark Conservancy, the Food Pantry also receives fresh produce on a weekly basis. The expanded pantry allows us to serve an additional 65–80 individuals in the community.
Food Pantry Schedule
Every Wednesday
- Tickets distributed: 9:00 AM (First come, first serve)
- Food distribution begins: 12:00 PM
Identification Restoration Program
Having proper identification is essential for applying for jobs, accessing services, obtaining housing, and taking important steps toward a more stable future.
Through our ID Restoration Program, the Hub has helped residents obtain more than 3,000 identification documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, and driver’s licenses.
In partnership with Dan Ellis of Franciscan Charities, the program helps residents navigate the process of obtaining or replacing important identification documents.
“The most important elements in identification restoration are patience and a toleration for tedious detail.”
— Dan Ellis, Franciscan Charities
Computer Lab
The Hub’s computer lab provides residents with access to technology for job searches, educational needs, benefit applications, and other essential online services.
Residents can use the computer lab for:
- Job searches and applications
• Schoolwork and educational needs - Online applications and forms
- Court-related proceedings
- Tax filings
- Other essential online services
Computer Lab Hours
Wednesday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Health & Wellness
The Hub works with local healthcare organizations, including University Hospital, to provide health and wellness resources for residents of all ages.
Health and wellness programs and events may include:
- Health screenings
- Wellness education
- Nutrition counseling
- Mental health resources
- Preventive care
- Health insurance information
These partnerships help connect residents with resources that support healthier lives for individuals and families throughout the community.
Community Distribution Days
Through partnerships with organizations such as Howard’s Mission, the Hub provides residents with additional essential items during Community Distribution Days.
Items may include:
- Toiletries
- Clothing
- Feminine hygiene products
- Other everyday necessities
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the Community Resource Hub, please contact:
Faith Layer
Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator
flayer@habitatnewark.org
Para servicios o mas información en español, por favor contacta:
Gabriela Bernal
gbernal@habitatnewark.org
973-624-3330, ext. 103
For our Hub referral services below, please contact:
Donna Jackson
Outreach Coordinator
973-342-2697
- Utilities assistance: LIHEAP / USF
- Rental Assistance
- NJ ANCHOR program
