Perhaps you were laid off and your savings are nearly exhausted. Down the Block can help.  Maybe your house was damaged and winter is around the corner. Down the Block can help. Or possibly your spouse can no longer work and your basic living expenses have stretched your one income. Down the Block can help. 

Since our inception in 2009, Down the Block has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover expenses for hundreds of neighbors in need.

In 2008, as the housing and financial crisis descended, we saw that some of our neighbors were in need.  We saw no other organization providing this type of assistance and serving our community.

We started Down the Block after hearing stories that deeply concerned us - stories of families right here in Millburn Township who were struggling financially to such an extent that their most basic needs - food, shelter, medical care, electricity, heat, etc. - could not be met.

How we started

Down the Block is the only organization that can step in to pay a bill for a Millburn Township resident experiencing temporary, unforeseen financial need.

Our board is comprised of local volunteers, so we have virtually no overhead - a bank account, a website, and the occasional postage for a mailing. Nearly 100% of donations go directly to approved applicants.

To ensure that your donation goes to those Township residents in need, we give each application careful, strictly confidential review. Once an applicant's claim is verified and deemed eligible, we provide payment directly to the provider of the goods or services needed (e.g., bank, landlord, utility, etc). In that way, you can be assured that your donation is used to help your neighbors meet their most pressing needs.

And applicants can be assured that we provide the help they need while respecting their privacy.