The East Trenton Center
In addition to being the headquarters of Habitat for Humanity-Trenton Area, the East Trenton Center (ETC) has been operating in the community for many years to provide programs and services to meet the basic needs of both children and adults in the East Trenton Community. The center seeks to promote, unify, and empower residents as well as to serve as the connection point between Habitat for Humanity-Trenton Area and local residents.
Food Distribution
The East Trenton Center operates an emergency food pantry under the direction of Liz Leonard with the aid of two staff and volunteers that collect and distribute food to needy families on Mondays - Tuesdays - Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm. The Pantry is funded by the Bonner Foundation as well as assistance from the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and the Shop Rite's Partners in Caring Program. The Center also organizes and distributes fresh produce every Friday delivered by Philabundance Agency Network. In addition, the Center receives donations from retailers, churches, and schools to help with meeting the nutritional needs of our neighbors.
Overflow Shelter
The Center provides sleeping shelter during cold weather months from November to April to area homeless individuals who come in as overflow from the Trenton Rescue Mission. The Center receives a per diem from the City of Trenton and stipend for staffing during shelter operations.
Learning Center
This program is run for approximately 45 students in grades 1 to 8 and operates October through June. The program is designed to enrich student’s school learning through extra help and computer training and also to teach conflict resolution skills. The hours of operation for the program are from 3:00 to 5:30 which ensures proper supervision for many kids who would otherwise be unsupervised during this time period.
Clothing Distribution Program
Through the kindness of many of our friends we were able to distribute clothing to many of our neighbors. Last winter, the Center distributed 322 winter coats. Your continuing donations of clothing are greatly appreciated.
Narcotics Anonymous Program
The East Trenton Center hosts NA meetings on Friday nights. It is the only NA venue in the East Trenton neighborhood.