News from Family Promise of Southern Ocean County

We began hosting families on December 26th at St. Mary's, and our first full week will be at Ocean Community beginning January 1. A great way to begin the new year, underway and with energized volunteers! Thanks so much to all who helped us in our relaunch project. We continue to interview families for participation, and will be reporting on families who are able to find sustainable housing through us. Thanks again!

DIRECTOR'S NOTES:

• We are in need of overnight hosts this Saturday night, Dec 31st at St. Mary's Parish Center. If anyone is available please contact Cheryl Polo email: familypromisesoc@gmail.com or 609-994-3317and leave a message if no answer.
• A BIG Thank You to Mrs. Stasuk 3rd Grade Class of McKinley Avenue Elementary School, Southern Regional High School LAS, and United Way for assisting us with gifts and stockings for our current and past guests for Christmas. Your generosity helped make our families have a better Christmas!

INTAKE FOR NEW FAMILIES
We are gathering potential families for our program. They can make application by contacting Cheryl at Family Promise of SOC
338 South Main Street, Barnegat, NJ 08005, 609-994-3317 or by replying to this email. Here are the criteria for families:
·      Adult parent must have at least 1 child under the age of 18
·      Does not have a permanent place to live
·      Has own car or the ability to secure transportation within short period of time while in program
·      Is currently employed or able to secure employment prior to entrance into the program
·      Has no current issues with drugs and alcohol
·      Has no untreated health issues
·      Must complete all intake requirements
·      Is willing and able to accept all Program Guidelines
·      Program is limited to 14 people

PLEASE CONSIDER FORWARDING THIS EMAIL TO OTHERS YOU KNOW ARE INTERESTED IN OUR PROJECT!

Court hearing date reminder

This is a reminder that the court hearing on Lakewood's mtion to evict Tent City residents is scheduled for this coming Friday, Jan. 6 @ 9 a.m.  Judge Foster's court is Courtroom 3.  Please attend to show your support for the men and women who live in Tent City.

Coalition Update: The Videotaped Beating of David Ivins

The holiday season was already hard enough for David Ivins:  the homeless man who was attacked in Wall Township by a 20-year-old, as a 17-year-old laughed and videotaped the attack.  If you have not seen it, below is a link to an article with excerpts from the You Tube video.  It's painful, but it's something everyone should watch.  In the video, the attacker leaves his bleeding victim with the words:  "Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah . . . or whatever the f--- you are."  http://www.app.com/article/20111219/NJNEWS/312190050/WITH-VIDEO-Pair-charged-beating-homeless-man-Wall-posted-YouTube?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Because David Ivins was homeless, he was called a "whatever" -- not even a human.  Part of our mission is to stop the dehumanization of the homeless.  Part of our responsibility is to raise awareness that, given the desperate shortage of affordable housing in NJ, particularly at a time of 9% unemployment, anyone could find themselves with nowhere to go.

We are a new Coalition, but we are already becoming a voice for NJ's homeless and for the need to advocate, educate, organize and otherwise support emergency and permanent solutions to homelessness.  A NJTV/PBS segment that aired this week (link below) is just one example of how we are doing so:

12/20/11:  NJTV/PBS Story on Attack on Homeless Man and NJ Homelessness 

David Ivins should never have been homeless -- let alone kicked when he was down, literally.  Anyone who agrees and wants to help the Coalition pursue its mission can:  (1) forward the first link below to anyone who has not yet signed up for information about the Coalition; and/or (2) click on the second link below to make a year-end donation:  

http://njcoalitionhomeless.org/Sign_Up_For_Info_.html

http://www.njcoalitionhomeless.org/How_to_Donate.html

Happy holidays from the Coalition -- and here's to our continuing to work in 2012, together, to end homelessness in New Jersey.

National Homeless Person's Memorial Day celebrated in Ocean County

A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night at the Cedar Bridge Avenue encampment known as Tent City to remember all the local homeless who have died, said Steve Brigham, a minister and founder of the encampment.

Wednesday was National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. More than two dozen people — some from Tent City, but others from outside the community — attended the service.

Among the people remembered was Nina Rogala, 68, who was known as the “mother of the camp.” A native of Poland, Rogala’s body was discovered Dec. 14 when a camper went to her tent…

To read more of Margaret Bonafide’s Asbury Park Press article go to:

http://www.app.com/article/20111223/NJNEWS/312230087/Residents-Tent-City-Lakewood-hold-memorial-service

Job seekers will find support at TR library

TOMS RIVER –   Ocean County Library and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development will host a job seekers’ support group at the Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., Mon. Jan. 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This new monthly meeting, to be led by the Department’s Mark Boelte, will discuss job resources and share tips. It will be held in the first-floor Green Room.

The program is free and open to the public but registration is required.  Register by telephoning the library operator (732) 349-6200 or online www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

Ongoing construction in the municipal garage behind the library may limit parking spaces and change traffic patterns.  Check http://www.downtowntomsriver.com/bid/parking.htm for other parking options.

Little to become Freeholder Director at Jan 4 reorg meeting

A press release from the Ocean County Freeholders:

Freeholders to Organize Jan. 4
12/28/2011

TOMS RIVER - With just days to go before Ocean County ushers in the New Year, Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little is preparing to become Director of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders for 2012.

"I am looking forward to being Director of the Board in 2012," said Little, who served as the 2011 Deputy Director. "I am sure it will be a challenging new year but as a Board we work in concert always putting the citizens of the County first."

Little is expected to be appointed to the post during the Board's 2012 organization meeting scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Jan. 4 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, here. Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. is expected to be named Deputy Director during the meeting.

"Our main concern for 2012 will be developing a county budget that continues to allow our residents the ability to afford to live here," Little said. "We want to continue to deliver core and vital services but it must be cost effective.

"Every year, this freeholder board pledges there will be no surprises in the County budget and the new year will be no different," Little said.

Freeholder Little said that with the sound fiscal policies the Board has in place, the county will enter 2012 with a AAA bond rating – the highest possible.

"With the diligence of Freeholder John Bartlett, who serves as liaison to the county's Department of Finance, we have been able to maintain this bond rating while we have seen state and federal ratings begin to drop," Little said. "This rating helps us secure the best interest rates possible so we can save money for the taxpayer and can advance important projects that affect the quality of life here in Ocean County."

Little, who has been on the Board of Freeholders since 2003 works closely with key county government departments that provide a host of programs ranging from services for veterans, to the Ocean County Planning Department.

"In the New Year, the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau will expand into the southern part of the county providing services from the Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin," Little said. "Our veterans deserve the best services possible and access to our programs is key to providing them with the assistance they deserve."

Little noted that the Board of Freeholders also recently renewed its contract with Vetwork, a Lacey Township-based nonprofit group that assists local veterans.

"For 25 years Vetwork has been there for veterans in need," Little said. "We are very pleased to continue this collaboration on behalf of Ocean County's 68,000 veterans."

Freeholder Little said that as liaison to the Ocean County Board of Social Services, the Ocean County Department of Human Services, and the Ocean County Board of Health, he will continue to make every effort to help the most vulnerable and needy in Ocean County.

"These are difficult economic times and we certainly are understanding of that," Little said. "These agencies and their dedicated staffs make every effort to provide for those citizens who are in need."

Little added he will work closely with his colleagues on the Board of Freeholders to make certain environmental issues and concerns continue to be addressed.

"Our Engineering Department, under the direction of Freeholder John Kelly along with our Planning Department are continuing their work in preserving and protecting Barnegat Bay," Little said. "We are closely working with the state to implement Gov. Christie's 10 point plan to protect the bay, which truly is an environmental jewel enjoyed by all citizens of New Jersey."

Little noted that Ocean County's open space program, administered by the Planning Department will continue into the New Year preserving environmentally sensitive lands which also helps to protect the waterways and overall environment in Ocean County.

The county, since establishing the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund in 1997, has helped save 12,642 acres of environmentally sensitive lands. And, almost 3,300 acres of farmland has been preserved in Ocean County, Little said.

"Of the 408,000 acres of land in Ocean County, more than 60 percent, including lands preserved by municipalities, is protected as open space," Little said. "The total number of acres preserved in Ocean County so far is 222,691. This land will forever remain open space."

Freeholder Little noted that the county will continue to provide environmental benefits through its award winning recycling program under the leadership of Freeholder James F. Lacey.

"Freeholder Lacey with the Department of Solid Waste has worked tirelessly to make certain this is the most convenient recycling program possible for our residents," Little said. "It certainly has paid off not only with benefits to the environment but economically through the recycling revenue sharing program."

Freeholder Little said he looks forward to working closely with Freeholder Joseph Vicari, who served as the 2011 Director, in providing services and programs for Ocean County's seniors.

"With more than 160,000 seniors calling Ocean County home, we have pledged to make certain that home delivered meals will continue, nutrition sites will remain open and our services will continue to provide our seniors with a quality of life second to none," Little said.

Attorney Jeff Wild speaks about homelessness on NJTV

Jeff Wild is interviewed on NJTV tonight (Tuesday) at 11 p.m.   He talks about the sad  homeless issue in NJ, etc.

Memorial service for Nina Rogala

A long time resident of Tent City, Nina Rogala died unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon. She was a warm presence always ready to welcome visitors to her home and to the Tent City community. She will be missed. A memorial service has been planned for Nina for Wednesday, December 21^st at 6pm in the Tent City Chapel. Please come and share a thought.  

 

Kasturi (Rumu) DasGupta, PhD

Professor of Sociology

Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Coalition Update: Court Papers Filed on Behalf of Lakewood Tent City

The hearing on Lakewood's motion to shut down Tent City is currently scheduled for Friday, January 6th at 9 a.m. at 100 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, Courtroom 3. Yesterday, on behalf of the Homeless Individuals, Lowenstein Sandler PC filed court papers in opposition to that motion. 

Most of you are not lawyers, but you may still want to read some of the Certifications given by residents of Tent City, the Certification by Minister Steve Brigham and/or our written arguments to the Court (in our legal brief).  If you have not been to Tent City or have not met its residents, these documents may be eye-opening, and all can be accessed by clicking below:

http://www.njcoalitionhomeless.org/Court_Filings.html

Finally, if anyone wants to support the new NJ Coalition to End Homelessness and its work to work to end homelessness statewide, tax-deductible donations can now be made by credit card, using the link below.  In any event, by having already signed up for the Coalition's mailing list, all of you have already shown your support for NJ's homeless, which is so critical as winter nears:

http://www.njcoalitionhomeless.org/How_to_Donate.html

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County intake information

We are gathering potential families for our program. They can make application by contacting Cheryl at Family Promise of SOC
338 South Main Street, Barnegat, NJ 08005, 609-994-3317 or by replying to this email. Here are the criteria for families:
·      Adult parent must have at least 1 child under the age of 18
·      Does not have a permanent place to live
·      Has own car or the ability to secure transportation within short period of time while in program
·      Is currently employed or able to secure employment prior to entrance into the program
·      Has no current issues with drugs and alcohol
·      Has no untreated health issues
·      Must complete all intake requirements
·      Is willing and able to accept all Program Guidelines
·      Program is limited to 14 people

Christmas dinner @ St. Mary's (Manahawkin)

Need a hot meal on Christmas Day?  Come to St. Mary's Parish Center at 100 Bishop Lane between noon and 3 p.m.  Just bring your Christmas spirit.  We have the rest!  Santa will be present with gifts for the children.  To make a reservation or to get a ride just call (609) 597-5797 and leave a message.

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County says, "thanks" to Lutheran youth

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County

THANKS TO YOUTH AND LEADERS FROM HOLY SPIRIT LUTHERAN for their work decorating the Day Center for our guest families. Your work brings a lift and encouragement to people in tough times!

OC Freeholder press release: senior services

Senior Services Provides Host of Programs for Seniors
12/14/2011

TOMS RIVER – More than just a nutritious meal, Ocean County's home delivered meal program has been providing the elderly with a critical lifeline for decades.

"Today we are preparing to continue these key programs for our elderly population into the New Year," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, chairman of Senior Services. "With more than 160,000 seniors calling Ocean County home and with our 85 plus population increasing significantly, this program is a vital service to our seniors."

The Board of Freeholders on Dec. 21 is scheduled to approve six contracts for Community Services Inc. totaling $2,541,116 for several programs including congregate meals, home delivered meals, social support services and chronic disease self management.

"Community Services Inc. has done an outstanding job in working with the County in providing for our seniors," Vicari said. "They provide these services with compassion and a true dedication to our aging population."

Under the contracts, Community Services, Inc. plans to provide 66,610 congregate meals in the amount of $782,173 and 193,042 home delivered meals in the amount of $1,250,422 in 2012. In addition to the meals, 11,032 units of nutrition education/nutrition counseling will be provided by a registered dietician to both congregate and home delivered meals participants.

"The nutrition counseling component is very important to our seniors," Vicari said. "Shut-ins and some of the elderly citizens often neglect their nutritional needs. We attempt to educate and remind them about the importance of eating right. Good nutrition, proper exercise and socialization are vital to a long and healthy life."

Community Services, Inc. also plans to provide over 43,300 social support services such as Outreach, Benefits Screening, Transportation, Language Translation and others in the amount of $478,749 in 2012. And, Community Services, Inc. is expected to provide 600 units of "Take Control of Your Health" an evidenced based chronic disease self management program in the amount of $29,772 in 2012.

"Making certain our seniors receive proper nutrition in addition to having contact with caring individuals is a priority of the Board of Chosen Freeholders," Vicari said. "These programs are a integral part of our senior program network and the action we take today will make certain our elderly residents will be assisted in the New Year."

Vicari noted that the average age for a congregate meals participants is 84-years-old therefore, providing an evidence-based health education program such as the Chronic Disease Self Management Program will help to support individuals in their goal of remaining independent.

"All of these programs and services provide a host of benefits to our older adults in Ocean County," Vicari said. "From our caring and professional staff at the Ocean County Office of Senior Services to the assistance provided by Community Services and the senior services network, the elderly in Ocean County are in good hands."

National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day

December 21, 2011 / 5 pm – 7 pm
Edison Municipal Complex
(100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ 08817)
MUSIC - AWARENESS - POETRY - REMEMBRANCE
... Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone , frequently without health care.
Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from the heart and cold. Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right.

...The First Day of Winter. The Longest Night of the Year.
Join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 5pm for a brief memorial event in
Remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly
Related to homelessness. As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.
Donations of gently used coats and non-perishable goods will be accepted at the event
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County
Human Services Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care Committee,
Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making It Possible to End Homelessness,
I Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise, and
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation.

Homeless people, frequently without health insurance, die from illnesses that affect everyone.  Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.

Health care is a human right.  Housing is a human right.

The first day of Winter.  The longest night of the year.

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 21^st at 5 p.m. for a brief memorial event in remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly related to homelessness.  As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.

Donations of gently used coats and non-perishable goods will be accepted at this event.

Supporting organizations:

Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County Human Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care committee, Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making it Possible to End Homelessness, Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone , frequently without health care.
Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from the heart and cold. Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right.

...The First Day of Winter. The Longest Night of the Year.
Join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 5pm for a brief memorial event in
Remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly
Related to homelessness. As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.
Donations of gently used coats and non-perishable goods will be accepted at the event
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County
Human Services Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care Committee,
Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making It Possible to End Homelessness,
I Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise, and
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation.Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone , frequently without health care.
Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from the heart and cold. Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right.Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone , frequently without health care.
Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from the heart and cold. Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right.

...The First Day of Winter. The Longest Night of the Year.
Join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 5pm for a brief memorial event in
Remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly
Related to homelessness. As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.
Donations of gently used coats and non-perishable goods will be accepted at the event
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County
Human Services Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care Committee,
Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making It Possible to End Homelessness,
I Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise, and
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation.Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone , frequently without health care.
Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from the heart and cold. Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right.

...The First Day of Winter. The Longest Night of the Year.
Join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 5pm for a brief memorial event in
Remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly
Related to homelessness. As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.
Donations of gently used coats and non-perishable goods will be accepted at the event
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County
Human Services Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care Committee,
Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making It Possible to End Homelessness,
I Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise, and
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation.Elijah’s Promise, and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation.

Coalition Update: Progress in Homeless Litigation

Nov.30, 2011

There were multiple signs of progress during a status conference held today in the Ocean County Homeless Litigation.  For everyone's planning, there is no court hearing until Friday, January 6th at 9 a.m. -- the still-scheduled date/time for the hearing on Lakewood's motion to shut down Tent City (in Judge Foster's courtroom at the Ocean County Courthouse, 100 Hooper Avenue, Courtroom 3, in Toms River).  We will be filing our written opposition to Lakewood's motion next week.

Today was a good day for the Coalition.  First, Lakewood has now agreed to meet to discuss settlement possibilities, either informally or with a professional mediator.  The preliminary discussions have been positive and constructive.  We do not know where the discussions will lead, but we applaud Lakewood for its willingness to seek a cooperative interim and long-term solution to the real problem:  that Lakewood's homeless, like homeless throughout Ocean County, have nowhere else to go.

Second, Judge Foster ruled that because of the public importance of the issues, he will consider a request from us for court-ordered mediation involving all the parties, including the County.  We will make such a request tomorrow.  Judge Foster confirmed, on the record, that the County could participate in mediation "without prejudice" -- that is, without concern that participating in a mediation could ever be used against the County in the litigation. 

Finally, the Court set a schedule for progress on the claims of the Homeless Individuals and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission against Ocean County and Lakewood, including the Mission's $2,000,000 damages claim against the County.  The County and Lakewood were directed to file Answers to these claims by December 12th.  The Court also authorized our moving forward with litigation discovery from the County and Lakewood, including our serving both with document demands and interrogatories (written questions requiring sworn answers). All discovery, which we expect to include depositions, is now scheduled to conclude by June 1st. We continue to hope that Ocean County's homeless can be helped through cooperation, not further litigation. However, we will continue the court case to its conclusion if the Homeless Individuals have no other choice.

Brian Lehrer radio program about Tent City

Here's a link to the Brian Lehrer segment, which hopefully will help increase public support.  Lakewood and the County were invited to participate but declined to do so:

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2011/dec/01/tent-city-new-jersey/?90348590345