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.