In a society where second chances are hard to come by, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, works each day to meet the needs of those who need help and guidance to find their way in an unforgiving world. The focus of the Housing and Social Concerns Division is to assist the poor in the community. Either directly in the form of material and monies or in the form of education and support services, 20 programs provide service to the disenfranchised and underprivileged.

Emergency Shelters
Ozanam Family Shelter, located in Edison, can accommodate 16 single women and 26 families. The facility provides the residents with emergency shelter, case management, life skills training, computer access and short term mental health counseling. The Ozanam Inn provides shelter to the homeless men of Middlesex County. The facility has 14 emergency beds and 26 transitional housing beds. Staff provides case management, mental health counseling and referral, substance abuse counseling and referral, and life skills training and transportation services.

Transitional Housing
Naomi's Way in New Brunswick, the Division's newest facility, has ten (10) one bedroom apartments and six (6) two bedroom apartments. The program offers support to homeless mothers who are employed or engaged in job training. Stays at Naomi's Way can last up to 18 months. While in residence, the women are provided with case management and life skills training.

The State Street Program, located in Perth Amboy, is designed for individuals and couples without children. Residents receive case management, life skills training, transportation, counseling and linkage to substance abuse and mental health counseling.

Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
PATH is a federally funded program designed to assist those members of the homeless population who are also mentally ill. The project provides assistance securing entitlements, mental health treatment and housing. Outreach is accomplished by providing services in the street, train stations, hospital emergency rooms, shelters and soup kitchens.