Better Life

101 14th Ave., Newark, New Jersey 7103

Better Life, which began serving members of the community in 2018, has three distinct offerings.

The Better Life Engagement Center welcomes any individual experiencing homelessness. Staff members help visitors obtain documents, find permanent housing, search for jobs, write resumes and prepare for interviews. Visitors receive food, water and coffee and can participate in group activities. The Engagement Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and welcomes any individual experiencing homelessness in the area.

Essex County Wellness Respite Services is available for individuals in crisis who have mental health or substance abuse issues. The program offers 10-day stays in private bedrooms and teaches guests skills to cope with their issues while providing a place to relax and reset to get back on their feet.

The second floor of Better Life provides supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals. Residents are referred to the facility from the emergency department of University Hospital.

Project-Based Vouchers

Unit (Bd/Ba)	Ft²	Rent
Studio (Studio/1)	-	Call for Price

Eligibility for Better Life

Better Life Details

15 studio bedroom units.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

Property Amenities

Community Media Center
On-Site Social Services
Resident Activities

Office Hours

Day	Hours
Monday	9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday	9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday	9:00am-5:00pm
Thursday	9:00am-5:00pm
Friday	9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday	10:00am-3:00pm

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

This project has received some funding from a participating jurisdiction (local or state government agency) through the HUD HOME Investments Partnerships Program (HOME). In projects with five or more HOME-assisted units, at least 20% of these units must be occupied by families earning 50% or less of area median income (AMI). All other HOME-assisted units must be occupied by families earning 80% or less of AMI, but in practice most are reserved for families earning 60% or less AMI. Maximum monthly rent is capped with a Low HOME Rent for <50% AMI units and a High HOME Rent for the remaining HOME-assisted units. Contact the property directly for the specific dollar amount of these rent caps.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

Since this property has received funding in part through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, a certain number of units are set aside for lower income households. Households must earn either less than 50% or 60% of the area median income (depending on the set-aside option chosen by the property owner) to qualify for these units. Rents in these units are capped at a maximum of 30% of the set-aside area median income (adjusted for unit size). Some rental units in this property may not be subject to LIHTC and therefore have higher rents and no maximum household income requirement.