Raritan NJ
9-24-2026 7:30pm

Somerset County to Host Pop-Up Workshops to Connect Residents with Cost-Reducing State Programs

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): For many households in Somerset County and across the nation, the rising cost of utility and energy bills has become an additional concern for those struggling to afford groceries, rising gas prices, and increased rent. In response, the Somerset County Human Services Department will be hosting a lineup of free pop-up resource events to get residents connected with cost-reducing programs offered by the state.

“These resource events are in direct response to the feedback shared by our residents,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Somerset County Human Services Department. “Throughout 2025 and 2026, Somerset County partnered with the Civic Operations Group to launch a community-focused canvassing initiative. Through this outreach project, local canvassers knocked on a total of 133,000 doors (and counting!), engaged in over 23,000 conversations, and discovered that rising utility costs were one of the top concerns for residents across our County.”

About 40% of households in Somerset County are classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE), and another 5% are living below the federal poverty line.

“Somerset County is often viewed as an affluent community, but affordability challenges exist in every corner of our County,” said Kate Russo, Planning Administrator for the Human Services Department. 

“Through feedback from residents and our frontline staff, we know that many individuals and families are struggling with rising utility costs. What many may not realize is that they could still qualify for valuable state assistance programs. These programs are designed to help working families and residents manage essential household expenses, and we want to make accessing that support as easy as possible.”

The upcoming resource events, which offer support in both English and Spanish, will pair residents with a bilingual Human Services Navigator who can answer questions and provide guidance throughout the application process. With the help of a Navigator, residents can also see if they qualify for the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). Both programs could help residents lower their heating, cooling, electric, and natural gas bills.

All four resource events will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

  • Friday, October 16, 2026 – Manville Library, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville.
  • Saturday, October 17, 2026 – North Plainfield Library, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield.
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – Bridgewater Library, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater.
  • Friday, October 23, 2026 – Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren Street in Somerville.

Residents can register for the events by visiting: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UG6_NGA5cEOd8UKHbjWQmaRBHtd1-EVOgdFtT8ukw5RUNUE5STlPVElLRUdSNVpBVVFVRVVFNzNNSC4u&origin=QRCode

To view the registration form in Spanish, visit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UG6_NGA5cEOd8UKHbjWQmaRBHtd1-EVOgdFtT8ukw5RUMEEzTDhMMkQ2WTI4UVUxTjRGNE9OVkU2MC4u&origin=QRCode

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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