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Our History
More Than 50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Since 1969, Hunterdon Helpline has been there when people in our community needed someone to turn to. What started as a single confidential phone line has grown into a 24/7 lifeline. It connects thousands of Hunterdon County residents each year with help, hope, and the resources they need to get through life’s challenges.
Where It All Began
Hunterdon Helpline was founded in 1969 as a confidential hotline for teenagers. It gave young people a safe place to reach out for guidance, support, and a listening ear when they had nowhere else to go.
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As Hunterdon County grew and changed, so did the needs of the people calling. The Helpline grew with them, expanding its mission to serve residents of all ages, with a special focus on individuals and families facing hardship or vulnerability.
Growing With Our Community
1969: A Safe Place to Call
Founded as a confidential hotline for Hunterdon County teens.
​Serving All Ages
The mission expands to support residents of every age, especially those facing hardship.
First Assist
Our 24/7 information and referral service becomes the heart of Helpline’s work, connecting callers to trusted local, regional, and state resources.
The Homeless Hotline
For more than 30 years, people experiencing homelessness have been able to call First Assist when Social Services is closed, for shelter access and resources to help them find stable housing.
The Next Door
Our Next Door facility gives homeless clients respite, refreshments, showers, and information, and serves as the county’s official Warming Center during Code Blue alerts and Cooling Center during Code Red alerts.
Caring for Older Adults
Telephone Reassurance, Friendly Visitor, and Volunteer Shopper programs help seniors and people with disabilities age safely at home, without isolation.
Building Skills and Opportunity
Literacy Services, Workconnectivity, and the Community Translation Center open doors to education, employment, and access for adult learners and multilingual neighbors.
Celebrating Culture
Through Hunterdon Hispanos and two decades of Salsa Night, Helpline builds connection with and support for our Latino community.
Today: A Renewed Helpline
A new name, logo, and website as part of a broader effort to make sure every resident knows where to turn.
Looking Ahead
More than five decades after that first call, our purpose hasn’t changed: no one in our community should have to face life’s challenges alone. As needs continue to evolve, we keep listening, adapting, and strengthening partnerships throughout Hunterdon County, so help and hope are always just one call away.
​Be part of the next chapter.