Find Help and Hope at our Neighborhood Help Center

At NJCDC’s Neighborhood Help Center, we believe every child and family in our community deserves a bright future — a safe home, affordable utilities, and a path to financial stability. That’s why we offer a full package of housing-related services, designed specifically for Paterson families, to help you protect your home, save on utilities, access affordable housing, and build a stronger financial future — all in one place!

Protect Your Family from Lead Paint — Free Help Available!

If your home was built before 1978, there’s a 50% chance it contains lead-based paint, which can create dangerous dust and paint chips that you and your family breathe in and swallow.

The bad news? Lead poisoning is 100% permanent — and children in Paterson are among the most at risk in New Jersey.

The good news? Lead poisoning is also 100% preventable — and free help is available!

Why Lead is Dangerous

Lead is especially harmful to young children because their bodies and brains are still developing. When they breathe in or swallow lead, it can cause serious, lifelong health problems, including:

●       Learning difficulties and lower IQ

●       Delayed growth and development

●       Behavioral problems like aggression

Lead exposure during pregnancy can also harm unborn babies, increasing the risk of preterm birth and reduced growth. Adults aren’t immune either — lead exposure can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney damage. And by the time symptoms appear, the damage is often already done.

Get Your Home Tested — For Free!

NJCDC offers FREE lead paint inspections and lead-safe repairs for eligible households. If lead is found, we also provide relocation assistance while work is being done to those who are eligible.

Who Qualifies?

●       Homes built before 1978

●       Properties with 4 or fewer residential units

●       Households that meet low-to-moderate income limits for Passaic County*

Both tenants and landlords can apply — and you don’t need to know if lead is present to qualify!

A Lead-Free Home = A Brighter Future

We all want bright futures for our children and communities. By getting your home inspected, you can find out if lead is present and take steps to remove it. NJCDC is here to guide you through it every step of the way!

But Wait, There’s More…

In addition to our lead-safe program, our Neighborhood Help Center can help you take control of your home and finances in many ways: 

Community Solar Program – Whether you own or rent, we can help you cut your electric bill by up to 45%! Our community solar program makes renewable energy affordable — no panels needed (i.e. not rooftop solar) and no signup or cancellation fees!

Affordable Housing Resource Center – Need help navigating tenant rights, landlord disputes, foreclosure prevention, or affordable housing options? We’ve got you covered with expert guidance and support.

Financial Empowerment Center – The only center of its kind in New Jersey! We can get you directly connected with free one-on-one financial counseling to reduce debt, build credit, create a budget, and even start your journey to homeownership.

Safe, Affordable, and Empowered Living Starts Here

Visit or contact our Neighborhood Help Center today to see how we can support you!

Call: 973-413-1711

Email: NHC@njcdc.org

Visit: 32 Spruce Street, Paterson, NJ 07501

*Income of housing occupant determines eligibility. Unless seeking assistance for an owner-occupied unit, only the tenants’ income is reviewed. Income limits for eligibility are:

●       1 Person: $68,500

●       2 People: $78,250

●       3 People: $88,050

●       4 People: $97,800

●       5 People: $105,650

●       6 People: $113,450