NJ.com had a profile about attorney Jeff Wild, who is representing the homeless in Tent City pro bono. Here is the link .
"I give the homeless an open mind because I am the descendant of one," he said.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Freeholder Vicari calls for renewal of Older Americans Act
1/12/2012
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by Washington is more important now than ever.
"I have already written to our Senators and Congressmen representing us in Washington urging them to support reauthorization of the Older Americans Act when its introduced in late January as the 112th Congress begins," said Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "The reauthorization of this Act provides an ideal opportunity for Congress to ensure that the aging network can meet the needs of current and future populations of older adults and their caregivers."
Noting that more than 160,000 older adults live in Ocean County, Vicari said that any decreases in the funding provided under the Older Americans Act would have a detrimental affect on programs and services that help seniors live independently.
"During these difficult economic times, it is no longer plausible for Ocean County government to continuously step in and plug funding holes when appropriations from the state and federal government decrease," Vicari said. "We can no longer make up the funding difference as we have done in the past. It's time for the federal government to provide us with our fair share."
The Older Americans Act helps fund programs such as home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, employment services, legal assistance, chore and personal care, all of which help older adults remain in the much preferred setting of their homes and communities, Vicari stated in his letter to U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg and U.S. Reps. Christopher Smith and Jon Runyan.
Vicari said he believed Ocean County's funding should increase under the act based on the 2010 Census figures.
"Ocean County is unique with over 26 percent of our population 60 years and over," Vicari noted. "Regarding the 65 and over cohort, our percentage is 21 percent compared to New Jersey's at 13.5 percent and the U.S. at 13 percent.
"Furthermore, Ocean County's 21 percent is higher than Florida with its 17.3 percent and we have two municipalities – Manchester and Berkeley townships – with the highest percentage of citizens 85 years old and over in the United States," Vicari said.
Vicari said that in the past, he has told the federal leaders that funding for the Older Americans Act services has remained flat or been reduced. Concurrently, the number of older adults has increased at a rate higher than any other age group and inflation has further eroded the purchasing power of the funding received under the act.
"It's important to note that programs funded by the OAA have lost considerable service capacity, causing many frail and needy older adults to be placed on waiting lists for supportive services, adding to their emotional, physical and financial hardships," Vicari said. "Additionally, state budget cuts have only exacerbated the problem.
"A larger federal investment in core OAA services and supports is needed to ensure the aging network has the necessary resources in the years ahead to adequately serve the projected growth in the number of older adults," he said.
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by Washington is more important now than ever.
"I have already written to our Senators and Congressmen representing us in Washington urging them to support reauthorization of the Older Americans Act when its introduced in late January as the 112th Congress begins," said Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "The reauthorization of this Act provides an ideal opportunity for Congress to ensure that the aging network can meet the needs of current and future populations of older adults and their caregivers."
Noting that more than 160,000 older adults live in Ocean County, Vicari said that any decreases in the funding provided under the Older Americans Act would have a detrimental affect on programs and services that help seniors live independently.
"During these difficult economic times, it is no longer plausible for Ocean County government to continuously step in and plug funding holes when appropriations from the state and federal government decrease," Vicari said. "We can no longer make up the funding difference as we have done in the past. It's time for the federal government to provide us with our fair share."
The Older Americans Act helps fund programs such as home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, employment services, legal assistance, chore and personal care, all of which help older adults remain in the much preferred setting of their homes and communities, Vicari stated in his letter to U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg and U.S. Reps. Christopher Smith and Jon Runyan.
Vicari said he believed Ocean County's funding should increase under the act based on the 2010 Census figures.
"Ocean County is unique with over 26 percent of our population 60 years and over," Vicari noted. "Regarding the 65 and over cohort, our percentage is 21 percent compared to New Jersey's at 13.5 percent and the U.S. at 13 percent.
"Furthermore, Ocean County's 21 percent is higher than Florida with its 17.3 percent and we have two municipalities – Manchester and Berkeley townships – with the highest percentage of citizens 85 years old and over in the United States," Vicari said.
Vicari said that in the past, he has told the federal leaders that funding for the Older Americans Act services has remained flat or been reduced. Concurrently, the number of older adults has increased at a rate higher than any other age group and inflation has further eroded the purchasing power of the funding received under the act.
"It's important to note that programs funded by the OAA have lost considerable service capacity, causing many frail and needy older adults to be placed on waiting lists for supportive services, adding to their emotional, physical and financial hardships," Vicari said. "Additionally, state budget cuts have only exacerbated the problem.
"A larger federal investment in core OAA services and supports is needed to ensure the aging network has the necessary resources in the years ahead to adequately serve the projected growth in the number of older adults," he said.
Keeping OC's elderly in their homes
Seniors Can Access Host of Programs and Services
1/11/2012
TOMS RIVER – From outreach services to assistance around the house, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is making certain Ocean County's elderly can access help in order to live independently and maintain their quality of life.
The Board of Freeholders is scheduled to award 36 competitive contracts to a host of service providers that will assist senior citizens living in the County. The contracts, totaling almost $2.3 million, are scheduled to be awarded during the board's regular meeting at 4 p.m., Jan. 18.
"Ocean County has the largest percentage of seniors in the state," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "We want to make certain our programs can help all segments of our senior population. The Ocean County Office of Senior Services will oversee a total of 52 contracts with 22 governmental and non-profit agencies in 2012 totaling over $5.3 million."
Vicari noted that with these providers, more than 35,000 people will be able to access services.
"We anticipate that 547,979 units of service will be provided in 2012," Vicari said. "Services range from our nutrition programs to helping our seniors remain safe in their homes."
Vicari noted that nutrition program contracts were awarded to Community Services, Inc. late last year for 2012 and the Kosher Home Delivered Meals were being approved during Jan. 18 meeting.
"The projection for both programs is approximately 285,000 meals in 2012," Vicari said. "Our nutrition programs could be considered the centerpiece for our senior services. These daily hot meals are often a lifeline for the frail and disabled bringing not only nutritional value but also social contact.
"This program is so important because 63 percent of home delivered meals clients are at high nutritional risk and 93 percent are at moderate to high nutritional risk," Vicari said. "Home delivered meals help keep our most vulnerable seniors healthy and provides them with the security someone is watching out for them."
Other support areas include transportation, legal services, caregiver services, care management, benefits screening, chore services and a host of others.
"Access to information and assistance is a major focus for the Office of Senior Services," Vicari said. "There were 151 community presentations made to county residents in 2011 and Senior Services staff responded to a total of 12,106 callers/walk-ins at the office at 1027 Hooper Avenue.
Additionally there were 12,000 visitors to the Senior Services website."
Outreach sites plan to provide 18,830 older adults and caregivers with 54,541 units of information and assistance/assessments in 2012.
"We will continue to meet the challenge of 10,000 ‘baby boomers' a day turning 65 with essential Medicare information and education," Vicari said "As the population gets older we will be there to help."
Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little commended the staff of Senior Services and Freeholder Vicari for the pro-active approach taken in providing programs and services for seniors.
"From such progressive programs like "Take Control of Your Health" to participating in seminars that help raise awareness and educate seniors about potential scams and other issues, our Office of Senior Services is a leader in the state of New Jersey," Little said.
1/11/2012
TOMS RIVER – From outreach services to assistance around the house, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is making certain Ocean County's elderly can access help in order to live independently and maintain their quality of life.
The Board of Freeholders is scheduled to award 36 competitive contracts to a host of service providers that will assist senior citizens living in the County. The contracts, totaling almost $2.3 million, are scheduled to be awarded during the board's regular meeting at 4 p.m., Jan. 18.
"Ocean County has the largest percentage of seniors in the state," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "We want to make certain our programs can help all segments of our senior population. The Ocean County Office of Senior Services will oversee a total of 52 contracts with 22 governmental and non-profit agencies in 2012 totaling over $5.3 million."
Vicari noted that with these providers, more than 35,000 people will be able to access services.
"We anticipate that 547,979 units of service will be provided in 2012," Vicari said. "Services range from our nutrition programs to helping our seniors remain safe in their homes."
Vicari noted that nutrition program contracts were awarded to Community Services, Inc. late last year for 2012 and the Kosher Home Delivered Meals were being approved during Jan. 18 meeting.
"The projection for both programs is approximately 285,000 meals in 2012," Vicari said. "Our nutrition programs could be considered the centerpiece for our senior services. These daily hot meals are often a lifeline for the frail and disabled bringing not only nutritional value but also social contact.
"This program is so important because 63 percent of home delivered meals clients are at high nutritional risk and 93 percent are at moderate to high nutritional risk," Vicari said. "Home delivered meals help keep our most vulnerable seniors healthy and provides them with the security someone is watching out for them."
Other support areas include transportation, legal services, caregiver services, care management, benefits screening, chore services and a host of others.
"Access to information and assistance is a major focus for the Office of Senior Services," Vicari said. "There were 151 community presentations made to county residents in 2011 and Senior Services staff responded to a total of 12,106 callers/walk-ins at the office at 1027 Hooper Avenue.
Additionally there were 12,000 visitors to the Senior Services website."
Outreach sites plan to provide 18,830 older adults and caregivers with 54,541 units of information and assistance/assessments in 2012.
"We will continue to meet the challenge of 10,000 ‘baby boomers' a day turning 65 with essential Medicare information and education," Vicari said "As the population gets older we will be there to help."
Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little commended the staff of Senior Services and Freeholder Vicari for the pro-active approach taken in providing programs and services for seniors.
"From such progressive programs like "Take Control of Your Health" to participating in seminars that help raise awareness and educate seniors about potential scams and other issues, our Office of Senior Services is a leader in the state of New Jersey," Little said.
New affordeable For-Sale Housing coming to Lakewood
This summery is from an advertisement in January's "Latinos Unidos de Nueve Jersey" (pg. 9):
Lakewood Township announces 72 affordable housing units will be available for sale at Lakewood Commons II, Spruce and Vine Streets. The 3- and 4-bedroom units range from $133,000 to $262,000. The housing is under development by NJ Hand and is for eligible low-and moderate-income households. It is anticipated that ulnits will be ready for occupany inSpring 2012.
If you are interested call Rehabco Inc. the Township's Affordable Housing Administrative Agent (732) 477-7750 to receive more information and an authorized application.
A deadline date of Jan. 20, 2012 is established for all applications to be filed with Rehabco Inc.
Lakewood Township announces 72 affordable housing units will be available for sale at Lakewood Commons II, Spruce and Vine Streets. The 3- and 4-bedroom units range from $133,000 to $262,000. The housing is under development by NJ Hand and is for eligible low-and moderate-income households. It is anticipated that ulnits will be ready for occupany inSpring 2012.
If you are interested call Rehabco Inc. the Township's Affordable Housing Administrative Agent (732) 477-7750 to receive more information and an authorized application.
A deadline date of Jan. 20, 2012 is established for all applications to be filed with Rehabco Inc.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Family Promise of Southern Ocean County
DIRECTORS NOTE:
We are still in need of 2 overnight host families for next week at First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton. Please call Lynn Robbins- 609-294-4905 if you are able to assist us.
The next Volunteer Training will be held the week of Jan 22. The date and place will be announced in next weeks update. Please try to attend this very informative training.
Needs for Family Promise:
Changing table and high chair for the day center
Water bottles
Juice boxes
Kind Regards,
Cheryl Polo, Director
Family Promise of SOC
338 South Main Street
Barnegat, NJ 08005
609-994-3317familypromisesoc@gmail.com
Visit Us On the Web:
http://familypromisesoc.squarespace.com
We are still in need of 2 overnight host families for next week at First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton. Please call Lynn Robbins- 609-294-4905 if you are able to assist us.
The next Volunteer Training will be held the week of Jan 22. The date and place will be announced in next weeks update. Please try to attend this very informative training.
Needs for Family Promise:
Changing table and high chair for the day center
Water bottles
Juice boxes
Kind Regards,
Cheryl Polo, Director
Family Promise of SOC
338 South Main Street
Barnegat, NJ 08005
609-994-3317familypromisesoc@gmail.com
Visit Us On the Web:
http://familypromisesoc.squarespace.com
Business community to the rescue
Wobm reports that a local business has stepped forward and replaced the log splitter that was stolen from Tent City residents Tuesday and other businesses have promised to provide wood.
The coalition of homeless advocates have held that the way to eliminate homelessness in Ocean County is for various groups (churches, business, community service groups, the homeless and government) to get together and work to solve the problem. It is too big for only one group to resolve.
Four of those groups are on-board.
The advocates still hold out that offer to local and county governments.
And thank you to the media for accurately and fairly keeping the plight of the homeless in the public's eye.
| 2 hours ago
The coalition of homeless advocates have held that the way to eliminate homelessness in Ocean County is for various groups (churches, business, community service groups, the homeless and government) to get together and work to solve the problem. It is too big for only one group to resolve.
Four of those groups are on-board.
The advocates still hold out that offer to local and county governments.
And thank you to the media for accurately and fairly keeping the plight of the homeless in the public's eye.
Stolen Log Splitter Replaced At Lakewood Homeless Encampment
| 2 hours ago A silver lining for Lakewood tent city residents. A Toms River rental company is donating a brand new hydraulic wood splitter after the one they had, was stolen from the encampment site Tuesday night.
Also three tree removal companies are dropping off logs for heat supply. The original unit was changed to a tree so authorities believe someone came in with cutters to remove it.
The theft came just days after a judge ruled the 80 or so can stay put for now until a hearing can take place between both sides. Local tree service companies sometimes donate trees for the firewood. It’s up to the residents of tent city to split the wood that they can burn in their wood burning stoves. At this point, they only have enough wood to get through about four days.
Homeless advocate Steven Brigham says “I appeal to the person or persons who took this. It’s the lifeblood of our tent city. Please return it as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can give police information about the theft should call them directly at 732-363-0200.
Pastor Steve Brigham (video, cnn.com)
The theft came just days after a judge ruled the 80 or so can stay put for now until a hearing can take place between both sides. Local tree service companies sometimes donate trees for the firewood. It’s up to the residents of tent city to split the wood that they can burn in their wood burning stoves. At this point, they only have enough wood to get through about four days.
Homeless advocate Steven Brigham says “I appeal to the person or persons who took this. It’s the lifeblood of our tent city. Please return it as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can give police information about the theft should call them directly at 732-363-0200.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Log splitter stolen from Tent City
The Asbury Park Press reports:
LAKEWOOD — A log splitter was reported stolen from Tent City on Tuesday night, leaving the homeless here to worry about how they will be able to split firewood to keep warm in the woods.
Minister Steven Brigham, caretaker at Tent City, said he filed a theft report with the Lakewood Police Department after he noticed the log splitter was missing. He believes it was taken on Monday night.
Brigham said the log splitter is valued at $1,400 and was donated to the camp.
“I appeal to the person or persons who took this,” Brigham said. “This is a vital part of our survival. It is part of the lifeblood of Tent City.”
The camp has about four days worth of firewood stocked up, Brigham said.
Brigham said that residents saw a truck drive into one entrance on Monday night. He said they believed that the truck was making a delivery of trees to be split for firewood.
The log splitter has a 27-ton compression and was chained to a tree in the encampment, he said.
The splitter was not in its usual place and someone had to cut the chain to get the large piece of equipment out of the camp, Brigham said.
“It is really disturbing that someone would be so selfish,” Brigham said. “I am appealing to their conscience. This is something that people here really need. Please return it.”
Police Sgt. Steve Vigna confirmed Brigham filed the report and the theft is being investigated.
Anyone with information about the theft should call Lakewood Police at 732-363-0200 or Brigham at 732-364-0340.
LAKEWOOD — A log splitter was reported stolen from Tent City on Tuesday night, leaving the homeless here to worry about how they will be able to split firewood to keep warm in the woods.
Minister Steven Brigham, caretaker at Tent City, said he filed a theft report with the Lakewood Police Department after he noticed the log splitter was missing. He believes it was taken on Monday night.
Brigham said the log splitter is valued at $1,400 and was donated to the camp.
“I appeal to the person or persons who took this,” Brigham said. “This is a vital part of our survival. It is part of the lifeblood of Tent City.”
The camp has about four days worth of firewood stocked up, Brigham said.
Brigham said that residents saw a truck drive into one entrance on Monday night. He said they believed that the truck was making a delivery of trees to be split for firewood.
The log splitter has a 27-ton compression and was chained to a tree in the encampment, he said.
The splitter was not in its usual place and someone had to cut the chain to get the large piece of equipment out of the camp, Brigham said.
“It is really disturbing that someone would be so selfish,” Brigham said. “I am appealing to their conscience. This is something that people here really need. Please return it.”
Police Sgt. Steve Vigna confirmed Brigham filed the report and the theft is being investigated.
Anyone with information about the theft should call Lakewood Police at 732-363-0200 or Brigham at 732-364-0340.
Monday, January 9, 2012
OC Library offers 2 programs to help parents learn about student classification process
School can be stressful for both students and parents, and many parents have the added responsibility of navigating the school classification process that determines which students need additional resources for their education.
With more than a dozen different categories and a high demand for resources, how do parents even begin to navigate through the process and get the resources their child might need?
The Ocean County Library will offer a program at two locations to help parents navigate the classification process used by local schools.
A Child Study Team (School Psychologist, School Social Worker, and Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant) will provide information about the process and discuss Individualized Education Plans, cognitive and educational testing, and parental rights.
This program is designed for parents who have children who are or may soon be classified with special needs as well as teachers who would benefit from more information about the process. The program will include a question and answer period. Refreshments will be served.
The first presentation will be held Saturday January 14, 9:30 am – 12 pm at the Lacey Branch (609-693-8566.) The second presentation will be held Saturday February 11, 9:30 am - noon at the Toms River Branch (732-349-6200.) The programs are free and open to the public but registration is required. Register at www.theoceancountylibrary or by telephone (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Point in Time Webinar Training-Can you help?
2012 Point in Time Survey & CountTraining Webinars
CSH-NJ is providing two training webinars for the 2012 Point in Time Count. These trainings are designed for all of those that will be participating in the count. The webinar will provide detailed training on the new survey for 2012 including how it should be executed both on paper and entering online. The training will also highlight the following areas:
· HUD PITC Guidance for 2012
· Purpose of the PITC
· How to complete a Sheltered and Unsheltered Count ·
Survey and Interviewing Tips All are welcome to participate. Please forward to anyone who may be interested. All those involved in the count should plan to attend one of the trainings.
Webinar Training #1 Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM To access the Live Meeting for the Jan 12th training use the following link**: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/corpsh/join?id=529RNJ&role=attend&pw=PITC2012 Attendee Code: PITC2012 For Audio, please call: 1-866-840-0048 Participant Code: 7105587#
Webinar Training #2 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM To access the Live Meeting for the Jan 16th training use the following link**: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/corpsh/join?id=D8SGKZ&role=attend&pw=NJ2012PITC Attendee Code: NJ2012PITC For Audio, please call: 1-866-840-0048 Participant Code: 7105587#
**Be sure to access Live Meeting prior to 10:00am as many will need to download and run the software for the first time. Copy and paste the link directly into your web browser to access Live Meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Velez at (609)392-7820 or colleen.velez@csh.org. Colleen Velez Senior Program Manager Corporation for Supportive Housing 650 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor Trenton, NJ 08611 (T) 609-392-7820 (F) 609- 392-7818 (C) 609 802-5765 colleen.velez@csh.org http://www.csh.org/
CSH-NJ is providing two training webinars for the 2012 Point in Time Count. These trainings are designed for all of those that will be participating in the count. The webinar will provide detailed training on the new survey for 2012 including how it should be executed both on paper and entering online. The training will also highlight the following areas:
· HUD PITC Guidance for 2012
· Purpose of the PITC
· How to complete a Sheltered and Unsheltered Count ·
Survey and Interviewing Tips All are welcome to participate. Please forward to anyone who may be interested. All those involved in the count should plan to attend one of the trainings.
Webinar Training #1 Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM To access the Live Meeting for the Jan 12th training use the following link**: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/corpsh/join?id=529RNJ&role=attend&pw=PITC2012 Attendee Code: PITC2012 For Audio, please call: 1-866-840-0048 Participant Code: 7105587#
Webinar Training #2 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM To access the Live Meeting for the Jan 16th training use the following link**: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/corpsh/join?id=D8SGKZ&role=attend&pw=NJ2012PITC Attendee Code: NJ2012PITC For Audio, please call: 1-866-840-0048 Participant Code: 7105587#
**Be sure to access Live Meeting prior to 10:00am as many will need to download and run the software for the first time. Copy and paste the link directly into your web browser to access Live Meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Velez at (609)392-7820 or colleen.velez@csh.org. Colleen Velez Senior Program Manager Corporation for Supportive Housing 650 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor Trenton, NJ 08611 (T) 609-392-7820 (F) 609- 392-7818 (C) 609 802-5765 colleen.velez@csh.org http://www.csh.org/
CBS news story on You Tube
Here is a link to yesterday's news story on CBS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1jAqVJcysc It was broadcast throughout the country.
The sad part of this story: Angelo was burned in a propane explosion last week (after the story was first recorded) and is now recovering in St. Barnabus Burn Center in Livingston.
The sad part of this story: Angelo was burned in a propane explosion last week (after the story was first recorded) and is now recovering in St. Barnabus Burn Center in Livingston.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
2 Asbury Park Press videos
The Asbury Park Press has posted two videos on its Web site. The first is a 4-minute report about the beginnings of Tent City, the second is a report about yesterday's court hearing. The two videos can be accessed by clicking here . (If you cannot link directly copy and paste
http://www.app.com/videonetwork/1329754356001?odyssey=mod|tvideo|article into your Web browser.)
The second video will start within a few seconds after the first ends.
Thanks to the reporters and videographers for putting this together.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Lakewood motion to evict denied: Tent City residents are safe for now
Superior Court Judge Foster dismissed Lakewood’s motion to evict the homeless from Tent City on Cedar Bridge Road this morning.
Spectators filled Courtroom 3. About 60 people were in the court room and an addition dozen or more spilled into the hallway. There were also several journalists representing television, radio, Internet and print.
So far the story has appeared on WOBM, Channel 12, the APP.com website, and Patch. Link to the Asbury Park Press: http://on.app.com/zZiOHL . Link to the Patch article: http://bit.ly/z5cyCA . Link to the WOBM story: http://bit.ly/wkMklc .
From my perspective:
Lakewood’s attorney tried to link the Tent City issue with the Occupy movement. He also implied that the homeless were trying to take possession of the property but Judge Foster was not having any of that.
The judge said Tent City residents were trying to create a plan to provide better housing for themselves and were using Tent City as temporary step in that plan.
The judge also said there is a government responsibility to provide shelter and he was not prepared to pursue that during today’s hearing.
Lakewood and Tent City both agree that it has taken too long to resolve the problem.
"Enough," they both said at seperate times during the hearing.
Lakewood has felt people have been there too long, though when asked they were uncertain how long people lived there, said their attorney. Jeff Wild said it has taken Lakewood and Ocean County too long to resolve the problem.
“What’s the remedy,” the judge asked?
“When Lakewood does what’s required,” replied Wild. “We also say enough.”
In denying Lakewood’s motion for an orderly eviction, Judge Foster added he wants to hold a hearing on the issue and told attorneys to contact his clerk to set up a time for that hearing.
There has already been movement by the parties to mediate the issue. According to Wild the attorneys are searching for a mediator.
Jeff Wild: Victory for the homeless today in court
This morning, after studying the legal briefs and the sworn statements of the homeless, and after hearing oral argument from counsel, the Court denied Lakewood's motion for a court order allowing it to shut down Tent City. Among other things, the Hon. Joseph L. Foster agreed with the homeless that in light of years of condoning Tent City -- including instances of Lakewood's police bringing homeless to Tent City -- Lakewood had not established its right to the summary judgment and court order it wanted today. Moreover, in rendering his decision and denying Lakewood's motion, the Court made an important statement: that the government has a responsibility to the poor. This, in one sentence, is the heart of our legal position.
Much still lies ahead in the litigation. However, this ruling against Lakewood removes, at least for now, the sword that has been hanging over the heads of the community in Tent City. Lakewood and Ocean County will now proceed with us to select and meet with a professional mediator to explore whether further litigation can be avoided. If not, we stand ready to continue fighting for the homeless -- and, if necessary, take their claims against Lakewood and the County to trial, along with the claims of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission for approximately $2 million in money damages. Hopefully, however, we can all work together to solve the underlying problem. Either way, today was a great day for the homeless.
Much still lies ahead in the litigation. However, this ruling against Lakewood removes, at least for now, the sword that has been hanging over the heads of the community in Tent City. Lakewood and Ocean County will now proceed with us to select and meet with a professional mediator to explore whether further litigation can be avoided. If not, we stand ready to continue fighting for the homeless -- and, if necessary, take their claims against Lakewood and the County to trial, along with the claims of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission for approximately $2 million in money damages. Hopefully, however, we can all work together to solve the underlying problem. Either way, today was a great day for the homeless.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Jeff Wild reports on upcoming court hearing
Unfortunately, even though the Court granted our request and sent the case to mediation, Lakewood is going forward with its motion for summary judgment authorizing it to shut down Tent City. Lakewood will be arguing this motion at a key hearing this coming Friday, January 6th, at 9 a.m. at 100 Hooper Avenue, Courtroom 3, in Toms River. We will be arguing that Lakewood has no right to the court order it seeks for numerous reasons, such as the fact that Lakewood, like Ocean County, continues to violate a duty to provide shelter of last resort. If you are in the area, please come and stand with the homeless at this critical hearing.
If Lakewood's motion is granted, there will be approximately 80 homeless people who will be devastated and left with nowhere to go. If Lakewood's motion is denied, the homeless individuals will be able to remain in Tent City while they move forward with their claims against Lakewood and Ocean County. Thus, there should be important news on Friday and, either way, Ocean County's homeless will continue to need the Coalition's support.
If Lakewood's motion is granted, there will be approximately 80 homeless people who will be devastated and left with nowhere to go. If Lakewood's motion is denied, the homeless individuals will be able to remain in Tent City while they move forward with their claims against Lakewood and Ocean County. Thus, there should be important news on Friday and, either way, Ocean County's homeless will continue to need the Coalition's support.
| Lakewood Update: Key Court Hearing This Friday at 9 a.m. | ||
 | | |
|
Unfortunately, even though the Court granted our request and sent the case to mediation, Lakewood is going forward with its motion for summary judgment authorizing it to shut down Tent City. Lakewood will be arguing this motion at a key hearing this coming Friday, January 6th, at 9 a.m. at 100 Hooper Avenue, Courtroom 3, in Toms River. We will be arguing that Lakewood has no right to the court order it seeks for numerous reasons, such as the fact that Lakewood, like Ocean County, continues to violate a duty to provide shelter of last resort. If you are in the area, please come and stand with the homeless at this critical hearing.
If Lakewood's motion is granted, there will be approximately 80 homeless people who will be devastated and left with nowhere to go. If Lakewood's motion is denied, the homeless individuals will be able to remain in Tent City while they move forward with their claims against Lakewood and Ocean County. Thus, there should be important news on Friday and, either way, Ocean County's homeless will continue to need the Coalition's support.
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