The Asbury Park Press wrote an editorial Tuesday that reminded its readers of the humanity of the homeless men, women and children. It also called attention to the failures of Lakewood Township and Ocean County in working to house the homeless.
"While Lakewood bears some responsibility for the safety and long-term
disposition of the residents there, no one should expect a municipality
to take on the whole problem by itself. Ocean County should be
providing the leadership and the lion’s share of funding for either
building a county homeless shelter or providing alternative housing for
Tent City’s residents.
"On
the other hand, for nearly five years Lakewood has consistently made
life hard for the people who live there, spending taxpayer money on
fighting court battles to evict them instead of working to find them
alternative housing."
Click here to read the entire editorial.
Two Ocean County Freeholders took exception to the editorial at Wednesday's Freeholder meeting in Toms River.
According to the Asbury Park Press, "Ocean County Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. said he is furious with
the Asbury Park Press and expressed outrage with a front page story
published Tuesday that questioned whether the county has done enough to
help its homeless population, which included the headline: “Is it time
for Ocean County to build a homeless shelter?”
“I
am rather tired of hearing that Ocean County is doing nothing to aid
people who are homeless in this county, that is an unmitigated untruth,”
Bartlett said during a regular public meeting of the freeholders.
“And the fact of the matter is, in reference to ‘Tent City’ in Lakewood,
there are many people there who want to be there,” Bartlett said. “Tent
City is an outgrowth of the fact that Lakewood Township allowed it to
be built and maintained, provided services to it and therefore in a
sense became owners of it.”
Freeholder Director Jack Kelly said there is a difference here in
philosophies. He said people needed to be more self-reliant and work
with social services to do more to help themselves.
“What
Freeholder Bartlett is talking about, at Tent City, when he says they
would rather be there, they would rather be there than deal with
government,” Kelly said. “Because government comes with it the
obligation and responsibility of the individual.”
The complete article can be read by clicking here.
Lakewood Deputy Mayor Steven Langert and Committeeman Ray Coles appeared at WOBM's station Tuesday to add to the discussion.
According to WOBM, "The duo didn’t shy away from talking about their continuing efforts to
close down Tent City and find housing for its residents. They also
addressed its high density growth plans."
"Committeeman Ray Coles said local anti-poverty group STEPS (Solutions
To End Poverty Soon) is working on finding housing. He explained
they’re trying to put together leases for a half dozen apartments in
Lakewood and surrounding communities. “We’re looking to see what we can
do as far as finding an affordable place with decent access to
transportation and also to make sure that the support services that are
going to be critical to insure that these people survive and thrive in
these locations,” he said."
"However, they agree there’s little they can do for an estimated 60
Tent City residents who refuse help. “Because they’re not in their right
minds,” according to Coles. “I hate to put it like that but there are
people out there who don’t know how to take care of themselves and
unfortunately in this country we can’t force them to accept help,” he
said."
The complete story can be read at WOBM by clicking here.
Homeless in Ocean County provides information about homeless solutions, events to support the homeless, and opportunities to assist people who are homeless.
Showing posts with label Ocean County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ocean County. Show all posts
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
After Hurricane Sandy, NJ's Homeless Population at Greater Risk
Shelters and soup kitchens across the state sustain significant damage from Superstorm
The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy as it roared through New Jersey last week was impossible to miss: multimillion-dollar homes collapsed like a house of cards, boats berthed on NJ Transit train tracks, much of the Jersey shore reduced to rubble . . .
But the so-called Superstorm also did its share of silent -- though no less traumatic -- damage.
Public agencies and private groups that help some of the state's most vulnerable populations are seeing an increase in patrons in the wake of the storm. They're also dealing with power outages and storm related damage of their own.
The result: More stress on an emergency relief network that was already stretched to its limits.
The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy as it roared through New Jersey last week was impossible to miss: multimillion-dollar homes collapsed like a house of cards, boats berthed on NJ Transit train tracks, much of the Jersey shore reduced to rubble . . .
But the so-called Superstorm also did its share of silent -- though no less traumatic -- damage.
Public agencies and private groups that help some of the state's most vulnerable populations are seeing an increase in patrons in the wake of the storm. They're also dealing with power outages and storm related damage of their own.
The result: More stress on an emergency relief network that was already stretched to its limits.
But the so-called Superstorm also did its share of silent -- though no less traumatic -- damage.
Public agencies and private groups that help some of the state's most vulnerable populations are seeing an increase in patrons in the wake of the storm. They're also dealing with power outages and storm related damage of their own.
The result: More stress on an emergency relief network that was already stretched to its limits.
Ocean County releases list of donation centers
A press release titled : "List of Donation Centers Released" has been posted on the Ocean County Website.
You can read the press release by clicking:
http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/PressReleaseDetailPage.aspx?Name=1559
You can read the press release by clicking:
http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/PressReleaseDetailPage.aspx?Name=1559
Please: Emergency Lines for Emergency Calls Only
The Ocean County Sheriff's Department asks that residents do not call 9-1-1 or the Office of Emergency Management unless it is an actual emergency. Information on evacuations, shelters and other storm-related activities is available on the county and local municipal websites or by calling non-emergency numbers. For county information please call 732-929-2000.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
OC Freeholders: Hearing To Be Held at Toms River Senior Center
10/1/2012
TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2013-15 Area Plan Contract for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., here.
"The County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "The 2013-15 Area Plan Contract outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."
The 2013 Aging Services Plan includes 50 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve approximately 32,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition support and caregiver services.
"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.
A copy of the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract Summary is available by calling the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 and will be posted on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.
The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.
Vicari stated that many are familiar with the County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived senior adult in preparing for a healthy future.
"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging from helping people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare to choosing a healthier lifestyle; we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population," he said.
So far this year, 80 community presentations have been conducted. Health EASE programs such as Take Control of Your Health, Move Today and Mind Body are conducted in locations throughout the county.
"We work in partnership with other County agencies," Vicari said. "We have a great relationship with the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Health Department rolling out programs."
So far this year, Senior Services staff helped over 7,000 people and provided information to over 9,000 visitors to its website. Major issues addressed by Senior Services staff were: Prescriptions, Tax Programs, Medicare/Health Insurance, In Home Services and Consumer Issues.
Jane Maloney, Director of the Office of Senior Services noted that the Oct. 9 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract. A public meeting was held at the Brick Senior Center in April to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.
"We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting regarding Ocean's plan to address our senior's needs," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.
TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2013-15 Area Plan Contract for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., here.
"The County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "The 2013-15 Area Plan Contract outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."
The 2013 Aging Services Plan includes 50 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve approximately 32,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition support and caregiver services.
"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.
A copy of the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract Summary is available by calling the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 and will be posted on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.
The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.
Vicari stated that many are familiar with the County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived senior adult in preparing for a healthy future.
"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging from helping people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare to choosing a healthier lifestyle; we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population," he said.
So far this year, 80 community presentations have been conducted. Health EASE programs such as Take Control of Your Health, Move Today and Mind Body are conducted in locations throughout the county.
"We work in partnership with other County agencies," Vicari said. "We have a great relationship with the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Health Department rolling out programs."
So far this year, Senior Services staff helped over 7,000 people and provided information to over 9,000 visitors to its website. Major issues addressed by Senior Services staff were: Prescriptions, Tax Programs, Medicare/Health Insurance, In Home Services and Consumer Issues.
Jane Maloney, Director of the Office of Senior Services noted that the Oct. 9 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract. A public meeting was held at the Brick Senior Center in April to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.
"We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting regarding Ocean's plan to address our senior's needs," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Ocean County poverty rate on the rise
Food bank, grocer partner to feed poor
(Asbury Park Press)
TOMS RIVER — The poverty rate in Ocean County has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Citing data from the 2010 U.S. Census, the number of Ocean County residents categorized as poor is estimated at 62,634, about 11 percent of the population. That figure is up from 34,792 residents or 6.7 percent of the population in 2000.
More so, the number of children living in Ocean County who are below the poverty line has more than doubled since 2000. There were 25,690 children considered poor in 2010, compared with 12,543 children 10 years earlier, according to the Census data.
On Tuesday, Peapod by Stop & Shop, an online supermarket that offers home delivery of groceries to more than 70 percent of New Jersey households, teamed with Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher to make a special donation of $500 in groceries to Your Grandmother’s Cupboard.
John Kane, president of the Toms River chapter of Your Grandmother’s Cupboard, a local food bank, said the cause goes beyond the current 9.6 percent unemployment rate in New Jersey, which is 1.4 percent higher than the national average of 8.2 percent. Ocean County’s unemployment rate is 10.5 percent, almost one percent higher than the state average and 2.3 percent higher than the national average, according to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Even county residents with jobs and senior citizens receiving Social Security and other benefits are seeking help from nonprofit charities because their incomes are simply not keeping pace with the cost of living, Kane said.
“Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty in 1964 and that war has not been won. (Poverty is) getting more and more prevalent,” he said. “More and more people are coming into our organization, sitting down, crying, because it’s their first time they’ve ever had to experience that kind of thing.”
Peapod and Kelaher delivered food that equated to more than 200 meals on Tuesday morning.
Kelaher said organizations such as Your Grandmother’s Cupboard, which is a nonprofit Christian ministry, fills a gap in the social safety net when government is unable to meet the increased demands caring for its most vulnerable residents.
“The municipality cannot afford to do all these good things that these people do,” Kelaher said. “Unfortunately, the volume of work that Your Grandmother’s Cupboard does does not speak well for our society in the sense that so many people need that help. But it’s good that it’s available to help people and it demonstrates a real charitable bent on the part of the community.”
The mayor said when a major company such as Peapod by Stop & Shop comes in to make a donation it’s a reason to single them out for their corporate philanthropy and for which he, as mayor, is grateful.
Kane said the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties delivered 7.1 million pounds of food between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012, to more than 200 local area food pantries and expects that number to increase to 12 million pounds in the next five years.
“We have to turn this economy around and get people back to work. That’s why there’s more and more demand for our services,” Kane said.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Update on OC Homeless litigation
Attorney Jeff Wild reported Monday:
In the Ocean County Homeless Litigation, a court conference was held today before the Honorable Joseph L. Foster. Although the people of Tent City continue to manage well during the warm weather, it was great to hear Judge Foster express concern about the unsheltered homeless -- and the very real possibility that this winter will not be as mild as the last one. In other developments today:
1. Safety Issue. Shortly after Lakewood failed in its motion for summary judgment, it blocked off one of the two roads to Tent City -- thereby blocking emergency vehicles from getting in and out of Tent City quickly if necessary. Today, we raised this safety issue with the Court, and Lakewood agreed to restore roads in and out of Tent City.
2. Waste of Taxpayer Money Revealed. Through mediation, we continue to discuss the problem of homelessness with the attorneys for Lakewood and Ocean County. The scope of the problem, including the current waste of taxpayer dollars on motel rooms for the homeless, is staggering. We have learned that, just in 2011, more than $6.3 million of taxpayer dollars was wasted by Ocean County on tens of thousands of motel rooms and other "band-aid" solutions -- wasting money at a time when Ocean County is also turning away homeless men, women and children, leaving them with no choice but to sleep outside. Concrete proposals are expected to be made soon. If no solution is reached in the mediation, the litigation will continue.
Thanks to all the members of the Coalition and the homeless who were in the courtroom today, standing in unity. Judge Foster set the next status conference for August 21st at 9 a.m. at the Superior Court in Toms River, Courtroom 3.
In the Ocean County Homeless Litigation, a court conference was held today before the Honorable Joseph L. Foster. Although the people of Tent City continue to manage well during the warm weather, it was great to hear Judge Foster express concern about the unsheltered homeless -- and the very real possibility that this winter will not be as mild as the last one. In other developments today:
2. Waste of Taxpayer Money Revealed. Through mediation, we continue to discuss the problem of homelessness with the attorneys for Lakewood and Ocean County. The scope of the problem, including the current waste of taxpayer dollars on motel rooms for the homeless, is staggering. We have learned that, just in 2011, more than $6.3 million of taxpayer dollars was wasted by Ocean County on tens of thousands of motel rooms and other "band-aid" solutions -- wasting money at a time when Ocean County is also turning away homeless men, women and children, leaving them with no choice but to sleep outside. Concrete proposals are expected to be made soon. If no solution is reached in the mediation, the litigation will continue.
Thanks to all the members of the Coalition and the homeless who were in the courtroom today, standing in unity. Judge Foster set the next status conference for August 21st at 9 a.m. at the Superior Court in Toms River, Courtroom 3.
About NJCEH
The NJ Coalition to End Homelessness, based in Trenton, is dedicated to pursuing emergency and permanent solutions to homelessness throughout New Jersey, where tens of thousands of men, women and children are homeless each year. NJCEH's Board of Trustees includes leaders from such prominent NJ organizations as the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Homefront NJ, the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, United Way of Hudson County, R. B. Coe Development and Consulting, LLC, and Lowenstein Sandler PC. For details, see http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=4040016&subscriberid=266902883&campaignid=1118672&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.njcoalitionhomeless.org%2fOur_Board_of_Trustees.html or contact Tonya Bryan, Executive Director, at tbryan@njcoalitionhomeless.org.Monday, December 5, 2011
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.
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. 21st 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.
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:
Monday, January 10, 2011
Service groups to host forum on the homeless
Kiwanis, Rotary clubs and others to host forum on the homeless
JACKSON - The Kiwanis Club of Jackson, along with the Central Ocean Rotary Club, the Shore Community Land Trust and several local church groups, will host a forum about Ocean County’s homeless Monday Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St.
The forum will address the problem of the county’s homeless, discuss solutions, offer action plans and establish a network for future discussion and action.
The two-hour forum will provide an overview of homelessness in Ocean County. It will include presentations by people who currently are or have recently been homeless.
The forum will also examine successful strategies that have been implemented in other areas of the country and have achieved long-term solutions to individual and family homelessness. An interactive discussion will follow.
Building upon that discussion the forum will conclude with a presentation of action plans and the formation of a network of organizations and individuals to support actions that alleviate the needs of the homeless. Its goal is to involve community service organizations, churches, non-profit groups, local legislators, student groups, business leaders and others to achieve a lasting resolution to the problem of homelessness.
Prior to the forum several groups that work with the homeless will host tables to distribute information about their organizations, answer questions and present to the public opportunities to volunteer their assistance.
The forum is free and open to the public. For more information please contact Larry Meegan at larrym52@aol.com.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Homeless forum in Toms River Jan. 31
The Kiwanis Club of Jackson will sponsor a homeless forum Monday, Jan. 31 at Ocean County Library's Toms River branch, 101 Washington St. The forum will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Prior to the start of the meeting groups will set up informational tables where they will distribute literature about their group and answer their questions.
The program will present speakers who are homeless, discuss strategies being used to meet the needs of the homeless, and answer questions from the audience.
The program will end at 8:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend.
Contact Larry Meegan for more information: LarryM52@aol.com .
Prior to the start of the meeting groups will set up informational tables where they will distribute literature about their group and answer their questions.
The program will present speakers who are homeless, discuss strategies being used to meet the needs of the homeless, and answer questions from the audience.
The program will end at 8:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend.
Contact Larry Meegan for more information: LarryM52@aol.com .
Mary & Jospeh: "No Room at the Inn"
The Interfaith Community Action Network of New Jersey present "No Room at the Inn," a legislative walk in Trenton Thursday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
The walk links the journey of Mary & Joseph to find a place to stay in the town of Bethlehem with the same struggle of many NJ families to find an affordable home in the town where they work or grew up.
You are invited to join the Interfaith Community Action Network of New Jersey as they walk with Mary & Joseph down State Street in Trenton to the legislative offices at the Statehouse, searching for a room at the inn.
If you are interested in participatin contact DamikaWebb@fairsharehousing.org.
The group will convene at the Housing and Community Development Netowrk of NJ, 145 W. Hanover St., Trenton NJ 08618 @ 9:30 a.m.
The walk links the journey of Mary & Joseph to find a place to stay in the town of Bethlehem with the same struggle of many NJ families to find an affordable home in the town where they work or grew up.
You are invited to join the Interfaith Community Action Network of New Jersey as they walk with Mary & Joseph down State Street in Trenton to the legislative offices at the Statehouse, searching for a room at the inn.
If you are interested in participatin contact DamikaWebb@fairsharehousing.org.
The group will convene at the Housing and Community Development Netowrk of NJ, 145 W. Hanover St., Trenton NJ 08618 @ 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Welcome
The Kiwanis Club of Jackson, along with Jackson Helping Hands Foundation, STEPS (Solutions to Ending Poverty Soon) and The Monmouth Presbytery, sponsored a forum on homeless solutions at Hope Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Sept. 21, 2010. More than 80 people attended.
"Providing an Address for the Homeless: Ocean County Solutions" had three components. The first put a face on the homeless as four people who are or were homeless told about themselves and their circumstances. They all told how they never imagined in their lifetime that they would ever be homeless. Their stories shattered the popular characterizations and prejudices many have about homeless people.
The second segment presented options and strategies that have been tried elsewhere to eliminate homelessness.
The third segment was a time for questions and answers.
The evening showed that a lot of people are doing things to assist people who are homeless and to eliminate homelessness. It also showed a need to provide a single location where people can go to find answers, offer help, and let people know where they can go to help.
This blog is a first-step to meet that need. It will provide a calendar of events, contact information for the various organizations, and media reports about local housing matters. In the future I hope we can expand this to a Web site with expanded coverage.
"Providing an Address for the Homeless: Ocean County Solutions" had three components. The first put a face on the homeless as four people who are or were homeless told about themselves and their circumstances. They all told how they never imagined in their lifetime that they would ever be homeless. Their stories shattered the popular characterizations and prejudices many have about homeless people.
The second segment presented options and strategies that have been tried elsewhere to eliminate homelessness.
The third segment was a time for questions and answers.
The evening showed that a lot of people are doing things to assist people who are homeless and to eliminate homelessness. It also showed a need to provide a single location where people can go to find answers, offer help, and let people know where they can go to help.
This blog is a first-step to meet that need. It will provide a calendar of events, contact information for the various organizations, and media reports about local housing matters. In the future I hope we can expand this to a Web site with expanded coverage.
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