The Mercy House of Jersey City, an Archdiocese of Newark boarding house and resource and referral center located at 20 Greenville Ave. is currently renovating its 30 bedrooms after receiving a windfall of financial contributions from archdiocesan parishes and from area organizations and residents.

After asking for people to “adopt a room” at $1,000 per living unit in February, The Mercy House received an influx of donations toward its goal of approximately $30,000. As a result, the organization is now redoing all 30 of its rooms with work including painting; installing new floors; repairing windows; and adding new beds, dressers, ceiling fans, and blinds. Once the bedroom have been spruced up and outfitted, Mercy House will use any additional contributions that come in to refurbish the building’s communal living room and two bathrooms. 

Resident Tracy Williams (left, pictured with Mercy House Director Cheryl A. Riley), said the support she receives from The Mercy House makes her feel like everything is going to be OK in her life.

“Everybody has a right to live in a nice, comfortable, clean room,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, which oversees The Mercy Houses of Jersey City and Newark. “So, we’re happy people generously supported this project. The residents love the work that’s been done so far because of their donations.”

Opened in December 2022, The Mercy House of Jersey City operates as a Class C boarding house, which means residents pay rent monthly for a room plus three meals a day, snacks, and other amenities like WiFi. Additionally, staff members distribute nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, and furniture, and help clients find work and housing on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An average of 200 people seek assistance from The Mercy House each week. Of that number, more than half are migrants from countries throughout the world. The organization provides assistance to anyone in need.

The Mercy House of Jersey City recently renovated this room using funds it collected from Archdiocese of Newark parishes, organizations, and individual donors through an “adopt a room” initiative.

To inquire about giving to or volunteering at The Mercy Houses of Jersey City and Newark, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. 

Due to overwhelming demand, financial contributions and donated essentials of any kind are greatly appreciated.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties through its 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries.