EDGE New Jersey

EDGE stands for “End Discrimination. Gain Equality.” We are a trailblazing, community-based organization dedicated to addressing gaps in care for vulnerable communities for over 30 years. Originally incorporated as the AIDS Residence Coalition of Morris County in January 1992, our initial goal was to establish a residence that provided a safe and dignified home for people living with HIV who were experiencing homelessness. To this end, the Eric Johnson House transitional housing program opened in 1994, offering shelter and supportive services. As advances in HIV care and treatment were made, the demand for services across the lifespan grew. Consequently, our agency programs expanded to serve all people living with HIV, regardless of housing status. In 2009, we officially changed our name to New Jersey AIDS Services to better reflect the broad scope of services provided, which by then included HIV medical case management, transportation, psychoeducational support groups, long-term rental assistance, and mental health and substance use counseling. As our services expanded, so did the need for a more inclusive, status-neutral approach. In 2019, we opened the EDGE Pride Center, providing specialized and affirming care for youth and adults within the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of HIV status. In 2020, we adopted EDGE New Jersey as our legal name to fully embrace a status-neutral model, reduce stigma associated with our previous name, and better reflect the comprehensive services we offer for people living with HIV, those with an increased vulnerability to HIV, and people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2022, we introduced both mobile and in-office HIV testing, along with PrEP care coordination. Most recently, in 2024, the New Jersey Department of Health authorized EDGE to open our Harm Reduction Center.