Help for N.J. homeowners, buyers

New Jersey residents, like their counterparts in Pennsylvania (as outlined in this space last week), can avail themselves of free or low-cost home-repair programs, utility assistance, and housing-counseling services.

Here is a sampling, compiled by the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey:

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency works with first-time home buyers, senior citizens, and special-needs homeowners. Call its consumer hotline, 800-654-6873, or visit the website, www.njhousing.gov/dca/hmfa, for information.

In March, the state launched an updated housing-assistance locator, the New Jersey Housing Resource Center website, www.njhrc.gov - a clearinghouse for renters and home buyers. For information, visit online or call toll-free, 877-428-8844.

The center also oversees the Sandy Home Repair and Advocacy Program for seniors and disabled people whose primary homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. For information, visit http://goo.gl/ALMH4h.

Its Refinance Rehabilitation Program assists current homeowners in refinancing mortgages. A portion of refinancing must be used for renovation. Visit http://goo.gl/Uzsz1T or call 800-654-6873.

New Jersey Citizen Action is a watchdog organization offering housing and loan counseling and foreclosure prevention. Theresa Dempewolf, executive director, said its loan-counseling hotline, 800-656-9637, is one of the most active in the state. For more information, visit www.njcitizenaction.org. Contact the group directly by phone at 973-643-8800.

Senior Safe Home Program helps Camden County senior homeowners stay in their homes despite disabilities. Contact the Union Organization for Social Service online at http://goo.gl/Nql4yO or call 856-663-2888.

The Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program helps with emergency-repair loans, grants, and deferred-payment loan programs. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: plumbing, heating, electrical, roofs, walls, ceilings, steps, railings, wells, septic systems, weatherproofing, lead removal, and handicap accessibility.

For information, visit http://goo.gl/ZqXcjo or call 856-307-6664.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has a few programs, such as the Universal Service Fund that lowers gas and electric bills. Visit the fund's website at www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call 800-510-3102.

The Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses (TRUE) program  gives one-time grants up to $750 for electric and gas service. Visit www.njpoweron.org or call 732-982-8710.

The Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) grant gives a maximum of $700 toward electric bills and $700 for gas. Call 855-465-8783 or 732-982-8710.

New Jersey SHARES is an energy-assistance program for moderate-income households that partners with 275 organizations statewide. Visit www.njshares.org or call 609-883-1626 or toll free at 866-657-4273.

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (www.hud.gov) offers loan-modification and foreclosure counseling through a network of HUD-certified counselors. In Camden, one such agency is the St. Joseph's Carpenter Society (www.sjcscamden.org, 856-966-8117); another is Parkside Business & Community in Partnership (856-964-0440, Ext. 15, or www.pbcip.org.) In Bridgeton, Cumberland County, call Gateway Partnership at 800-457-3188.

In Burlington County, the Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood (MEND) is a nonprofit offering affordable and senior housing. Visit www.mendinc.org or call 856-722-7070.

Find resources for Pennsylvania residents at www.philly.com/homeowner_helpEndText