The Mercy House raises $30K for room upgrades for its residents in Jersey City

The Mercy House of Jersey City — an Archdiocese of Newark boarding house and resource and referral center that provides a wide variety of assistance to all in need — is currently renovating its 30 rooms for residents after receiving a windfall of financial contributions from archdiocesan parishes, organizations, and individual donors.

*The Mercy House is currently renovating this room using funds from its “adopt a room” initiative.* *(Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)*

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

“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.”

*Manny Buri, The Mercy House of Jersey City’s maintenance worker, installs new flooring*. *(Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)*

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, it distributes nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to anyone who visits the facility 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.

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. For more information on The Mercy House, visit www.rcan.org/offices-and-ministries/respect-life.

*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.* *(Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)*

Featured image: 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. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)