Down the Block is an organization to help those in need in our community. It is run and supported by people that live in the community, with the goal of helping our neighbors in need. Board members are unpaid and payments are sent directly to vendors, so you can be confident your donation is going towards helping someone, instead of towards unknown expenses. It is truly an organization to be proud of.
Down the Block is there to lend a hand to neighbors struggling with temporary financial setbacks. The service is confidential so the applicant's privacy is maintained.
Down the Block, Inc. provides short-term assistance to residents of Millburn Township who are facing unexpected financial set-backs. With money raised through fundraising within the municipality, Down the Block pays bills on behalf of Township's residents who have been deemed eligible pursuant to its screening procedures.
Eligibility is determined by meeting with the applicant in his/her home, and reviewing documentation that supports the need, including proof of identity, proof of address, proof of income, proof of the circumstances surrounding the request, proof of the expense. Once the documentation is secured the Board votes as to whether the applicant has proved need and whether that need appears to be short-term. If so, Down the Block pays the requested bill(s) directly to the creditor on the applicant’s behalf. The applicant’s identity is protected and his/her privacy is respected.
From its 2009 founding until June 2014, Down the Block has paid over $220,000 worth of its neighbors' bills.
It is a joy and an honor to volunteer with this organization. It can be reached at contact@DownTheBlock.org or (973)943 - 1424. For more information, www.DownTheBlock.org.