Southern Service Center Home to Nutrition Site

A press release from the Ocean County Freeholders:

5/01/2013

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Simply put, nutrition support is a key ingredient to good health for older adults.

And, with that in mind, the first attendees to enjoy a meal while socializing with old friends and making new ones made their way into Ocean County's new senior nutrition site at the Ocean County Southern Service Center, here.

"The opening of this nutrition site has been in the works for quite a while," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "And while a superstorm may have delayed our efforts, it didn't stop us and here we are today."

Freeholder Vicari joined with Community Services Inc. representatives, local officials and seniors in cutting the ceremonial red ribbon marking the grand opening of the new site. The site opened on the first day, May 1, of Older Americans Month.

"A survey of current congregate nutrition site participants shows that 73 percent are at moderate to high nutritional risk and 93 percent of home delivered meal clients are at moderate to high nutritional risk," Vicari said. "In Ocean County we want to decrease those percentages and insure our seniors are getting a healthy meal.

"In the first three months of this year, 40,980 home delivered meals have been distributed to seniors while 11,172 meals were served at our nutrition sites," he said.

Seniors in the county's congregate nutrition program from Lacey Township south to Little Egg Harbor will be accessing the new nutrition site

"This site is a great location with plenty of on-site parking," Vicari said. "Having easy access to this program is very important for the well-being of our older citizens."

He noted that transportation for some seniors may be available through Community Services Inc., Long Beach Island Senior Services and Stafford Dial-A-Ride.

Ocean County completed the renovation of the kitchen at the Southern Service Center just weeks before the grand opening, providing a new location for the preparation of home delivered meals to the southern part of the County.

"There are about 300 meals now prepared daily at this site and in the months ahead we expect that number to double," Vicari said.

When the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders officially opened the doors of the Ocean County Southern Service Center in 2011, the plan was to use the building to help southern Ocean County residents access county services.

"Making county services accessible is a priority for this Board," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly. "This was yet another step we took to meet that goal."

Little did the Board know that the center would become a focal point in the county's efforts to assist residents in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy prior to being able to open the nutrition site.

"During the days after the storm, the National Guard was housed at the facility. In addition, because St. Francis Center on Long Beach Island was heavily damaged by the storm, the center relocated its food pantry, some counseling services and the home delivered meal program to the Southern Service Center. The building also played an integral role in the November 2012 Presidential Election and has been home to the Federal Emergency Management Administration which used part of the facility as a regional Disaster Recovery Center," said Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. "All the while we are continuing to offer county services from this site."

Ocean County opened the Ocean County Southern Service Center, located at the corner of Routes 9 and 72 in Manahawkin, in May 2011.

"Originally, the facility was opened to provide residents of the southern portion of the county with the opportunity to access some local senior services programs, the services of the Ocean County Clerk and the Ocean County Surrogate," Kelly said. "Those services quickly expanded to include Veterans Services.

"The site continues to house those county services and now we welcome this nutrition site," Kelly said.

Ocean County had purchased the Route 9 facility, which had been the former St. Mary Parish Center, with an eye toward using the property for a new Stafford Township branch of the Ocean County Library.

However, the downturn in the economy resulted in those plans being delayed for the time being.

The Southern Service Center also houses some senior social/support services such as a satellite location for the Long Beach Island Senior Services and Outreach, which provides information and assistance with an array of benefits and entitlements for older adults. Additionally Visiting Home Care offers Adult Social Day Care: "A Friend's House."

"We are very pleased with the work that goes on at this facility," Vicari said. "From our seniors to our veterans to our citizens that need help with Surrogate Services or the services of the County Clerk, this facility allows easy accessibility to programs and services in a growing area."

Vicari noted that socialization, recreation, educational programs and health screenings will be offered at the nutrition site.

"We want to make sure we are meeting the needs of our seniors," Vicari said. "I believe we truly are."

Ocean County Participates in CDBG Program Since 1984

Press release from the Ocean County Freeholders

5/1/2013

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County expects to distribute about $940,000 in federal funds to municipalities and public agencies for housing rehabilitation and municipal and public service projects.

"Ocean County has been participating in the federal Community Development Block Grant Program since 1984," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Planning Department, which administers the program. "Many great projects have resulted from the distribution of these funds."

Ocean County anticipates allocating $352,000 for 11 municipal projects such as handicap accessibility, street, sidewalk and curb improvements. In addition, about $180,000 will be allocated for 12 public service activities such as food distribution, counseling and day care centers, domestic violence and youth runaway centers, homeless assistance, visiting homecare services and senior services, while $226,000 will be appropriated for housing related programs.

"Because of anticipated federal funding cuts and changes in the census, we are anticipating that the 2013 appropriation will be about 10 percent less than 2012," Little said. "We are still waiting on the final numbers."

Little said the county anticipates $826,000 for HOME funding for fiscal year 2013.

"This money helps our residents with their housing needs," Little said. "The funds are used to repair existing homes or help families take the necessary steps into their first home."

For instance, Little said that under the First Time Homebuyers program 440 families have received down payment assistance for purchase of a home under the program for a total real estate value in Ocean County of $58 million.

Approximately 22 individuals/families will receive assistance with FY 2013 funding.

In addition, a total of 656 housing units have been rehabilitated under the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program since 1984. Approximately 22 units will be rehabilitated during FY 2013.

Little said the county also anticipates using about $665,000 for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program which includes funds from 2013 and 2012.

"Additional funding was recommended to accommodate the increased rental demand as a result of Superstorm Sandy," Little said. "Waivers were requested and approved by HUD."

He said 653 families have been provided rent subsidies under the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program to date.
The average rental subsidy provided in 2012 was $923 per month for a 24 month period.

"We anticipate assisting 65 families this year under this program," he said.

In addition, $200,000 will be provided for Superstorm Sandy Relief and Recovery. The money will be allocated to OCEAN, Inc.'s Community Partners Outreach and Relief Program for eligible residents of Ocean County affected by Superstorm Sandy.

"This money will be used for rental assistance, security deposits, relocation assistance, home repairs not covered by insurance and/or FEMA, plumbing and gas line penetration, replacement of insulation and other weatherization replacements, counseling, and food assistance," Little said. "With so many of our residents directly impacted by this storm, it is important to help our residents get back to their homes."

Municipalities that receive separate CDBG entitlements and the amounts that are anticipated are: Brick Township, $247,351, Toms River Township, $332,090, Lakewood Township, $785,743 and Jackson Township, $174,674. However, Jackson Township's funds will be included in the total County allocation since the County administers their program.

"Over the years, 549 municipal projects were completed under the CDBG program, 165 of which were public service projects," Little said.

Little noted that while some of the CDBG money is being used for Superstorm Sandy relief, this allocation is separate from the $1.8 billion that will be distributed by the state that will help in the recovery of the storm.

Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said the CDBG Steering Committee works diligently every year in reviewing funding requests.

"I want to thank the committees' chairwoman Patricia Moran and all the members who work so hard to make certain this funding continues to come to Ocean County and provides the money for many important projects," Kelly said.

Ocean County Library to host 2 storm recovery expos

What: 2 informational expos at Ocean County Library for those affected by Sandy

When: Dec. 17 @ Stafford library branch; Dec. 18 @ Toms River library branch

OCL to host storm recovery expos

 

TOMS RIVER –   Ocean County Library will partner with the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and host “Beyond Sandy: the Storm Resource Expo,”  two expos that will present resources to area residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The expos will be held at the Stafford branch (129 N. Main Street, Manahawkin) Monday December 17 and the Toms River branch (101 Washington Street) Tuesday December 18. Both sessions will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from local, county, state and federal agencies that can help connect them with the proper resources to recover from the storm’s aftermath.

Informational specialists will be available to answer questions and guide attendees on topics such as financial aid; finding a contractor; avoiding scams; where to find emotional support; help with remediation; obtaining permits; help with heating and dehumidifiers; and how to explain the impact of the storm to children.

The expos are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

For more information about the event or if you are part of an organization that wants  to participate, telephone the Ocean County Library at (732) 349-6200 and contact Valerie Bell (extension 5404) or Nancy Bierbrauer (extension 5408.)

Ocean County First Time Homebuyer Program News

August 29, 2012

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM RENEWED FOR 2012;
EXPECTED TO HELP 20 FAMILIES OBTAIN THE AMERICAN DREAM

TOMS RIVER - Ocean County officials anticipate helping 20 additional county families purchase their first homes this year under the Ocean County First-Time Homebuyer Program.

"We have administered this program in Ocean County since 1994 and as a result have helped 430 families purchase their first homes," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the program. "This Board of Freeholders, with its community partners, is helping moms and dads and their children take that big step of purchasing their first home."

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently renewed its contract with O.C.E.A.N. Inc., the anti-poverty agency, to oversee the program for 2012.

"O.C.E.A.N. Inc. under the direction of Ted Gooding, has done a great job in administering this program, meeting the federal and county program requirements," Little said. "OCEAN Inc. has served as the First Time Homebuyer Program administrator and consultant since 1997."

Under the contract, O.C.E.A.N. Inc. will administer $195,000 in federal HOME funds that will be used for down payments and closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a home for low and moderate income families.

"We anticipate 20 applicants will be able to settle into their first home under this program in fiscal year 2012," Little said. "Moving into that first home is such an important achievement that comes with a strong sense of security for the family. Even in a struggling economy we want our citizens to be able to obtain the American Dream and this program has provided that ability to them."

In order to apply, an applicant must have a three percent down payment with one and a half percent from their own funds, and meet the following criteria: good credit rating, sufficient income to support mortgage payments, and their income must not exceed the HUD income limit set for the Ocean County region.

"This program helps first time homeowners learn the ins and outs of homeownership," Little said. "The potential buyers are schooled in budgeting and finances and all those details needed to be a successful homeowner. There is a very valuable educational component that comes along with this program."

A total of $3,637,540 in HOME Investment Partnership funding has been allocated to the First-Time Homebuyers Program in Ocean County since 1994. Homes purchased have a total real estate value of $61.6 million and the average home price closed within the last 18 months is $154,438.

"This program illustrates the importance of partnerships among public and private agencies here in Ocean County," Little said. "O.C.E.A.N. Inc., six lending institutions and Ocean County have all joined together in making homeownership a reality. The end result of this program is priceless."

For more information on the program contact O.C.E.A.N. Inc. at 732-244-2351, Ext. 21.

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.

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.

Freeholders nix follow up discussion until litigation is resolved

I first want to thank the Freeholders for setting aside time in their October 16^th meeting agenda to give the community partners of Ocean County’s homeless an opportunity to address the needs of the homeless.  The freeholders were also generous with their time to allow members of the audience a chance to share their experiences and support of the homeless.

The speakers were treated with respect and courtesy by the freeholders and just about everyone left with a feeling that something positive happened and we were all entering new territory in solving homelessness in Ocean County.

One of the most important lessons the homeless community has learned from three forums is the need to work collaboratively with several groups to end homelessness in Ocean County: county legislators, business people, clergy, community activists, and the homeless.  No one group has all the answers, nor all the resources.

At the conclusion of the presentation I offered an invitation to the freeholders to join in a collaborative effort and discuss the homeless situation.

I am sorry, and I know many others are disappointed, in the freeholders’ decision to not sit down to discuss the issue in more depth.  We do realize that their decision still allows us to meet together in the future when the litigation is resolved.

The saddest part of the freeholders’ decision is its effect on the homeless.  While we are in our warm beds they are out there in the elements.  While we debate, they suffer.

The community partners will continue to work to improve the services and the way they are delivered to the homeless.  And we will leave an open space at the table to welcome the county officials to join us.

Asbury Park Press editorial, Nov. 18, 2011

Time to tackle homelessness

For the past several years, the Ocean County Freeholders’ response to the homelessness problem has been to wish that it would go away.  It won’t.  On Tuesday night, about 200 people gathered in Lakewood town square after they walked with lanterns for a mile from Tent City to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and call on officials once again to provide them a shelter in Ocean County.

The peaceful demonstration was one more chapter in the years-old story of the Ocean County freeholders’ unwillingness to provide shelter for the homeless in their midst.  The failure is found most conspicuously in Tent City in Lakewood, where dozens of people have taken up “residence.”

Lakewood filed a lawsuit last year to evict Tent City residents from township-owned land in the woods off Cedar Bridge Avenue.  Eventually, Lakewood agreed to allow the tentdwellers to stay on a temporary basis.  But the lawsuit, which drew a countersuit from an attorney representing Tent City residents, continues, with a hearing set for Dec. 2.

The problem in Ocean County, however, transcends Tent City.  According to Roseland attorney and activist Jeffrey J. Wild, in a 32-month period, the county Board of Social Services turned down 3,774 applications for assistance.  Wild argues the county has failed to spend an annual $20 million budgeted to care for the homeless in either an efficient or humane manner.

The Board of Freeholders may be right in claiming that government has no constitutional or other legal obligation to provide such a shelter.  It may have decided that the moral issue of homelessness is not in its purview.  But the issue may soon begin to hit Ocean County hard in the pocketbook.  It shouldn’t come to that.

Last month, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, a nonprofit Christian social service ministry that operated a shelter in Atlantic City, filed a lawsuit against Ocean County seeking reimbursement for about $2 million in costs since 2005 associated with providing emergency shelter for homeless people who previously resided in Ocean County.

Homelessness has been a longstanding problem in Ocean County.  As we have argued before, the freeholders should turn the tent community into a sanctioned temporary shelter until a permanent  county-funded, privately operated shelter can be built.

Some of the homeless in Ocean County are those with substance abuse problems and/or mental illness who have been reluctant to leave Tent City.  But many are those who have fallen on bad luck and hard times.  All of them need some help.  The county should do the right thing instead of continuing its vain attempt to defend hard-heartedness.

Steve Nagel's comments

Steve Nagel, Executive Director of Info-Line, Middlesex County, addressed the Ocean County Board of Freeholders during our session with them in October.  Here are his notes from his presentation:

The homeless are not the Clem Kliddlehopper of Red Skelton's day, but are:

• recently unemployed
• underemployed and unable to afford housing
• the majority of our homeless are children.  The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates the average age of a  homeless person, nationally, it 6 years old

How many of us are only one or two paychecks away from homelessness?

Middlesex County is addressing this through:

• organizing two years ago a 501 (c) 3 to administer the management of the county's 10-year plan to end homelessness
• implemented the Homeless Trust Fund.  The first round of funding of over $100K is going to non-profits that support the homeless.  (The Middlesex County Clerk wantes me to share with you how tere was very little resistance to implementing the fund, and it has not been an issue to implement or administer it.)
• starting to implement the Housing First model.  Middlesex County is reallocating HUD vouchers to provide to the Continuum of Care to provide housing vouchers to the homeless and precariously housed.
• the engagement of a longitudinal study to see the savings on moving people out of homelessness and into permanent housing.

Pastor Michael Mazer's comments before the OC Freeholders Oct. 19

Our presentation to the Freeholders last Wednesday was to show that homelessness is a social justice issue, not a political issue.  The following are Pastor Michael  Mazer's comments to the Freeholders.

Rev. Dr. Michael M. Mazer, pastor of East Dover Baptist Church

974 Bay Avenue

Toms River, N.J. 08753

“I begin by thanking the Board of Freeholders for allowing me to speak this afternoon.

The subject of homelessness has been on your agenda for a number of years. The subject of homelessness in Ocean County has been the subject of news articles in our local paper, the Wall Street Journal, and even abroad as well as television coverage. More recently, you have given it a much increased focus. I want to commend you on the numerous efforts made to address homelessness and your willingness to hear us today.

It is a given that the problem of homelessness and the numbers of area residents that are just a mortgage payment away from becoming so is growing. I serve a congregation of eighty members. Some came to our church from a homeless situation. For a few, the fear of losing their home is very real. There are others who are active in supporting the residents living in “Tent City.” It is an act of grace and providence that we meet our financial obligations each week.

Whether we are speaking of my congregation or any other resident of Ocean County, the need to reduce and ultimately eliminate the problem of homelessness must be addressed.

To this end I believe we are heading in the right direction. This quote comes from the Ocean County Board of Social Services, “NO ONE SHOULD BE WITHOUT A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD. EVERYDAY WE WORK TO MAKE CERTAIN OUR RESIDENTS DO NOT GO HUNGRY OR HOMELESS.”

To assure our residents that they do not go hungry or homeless will depend on a number of factors: availability of affordable housing, their location, access, and the availablity of other services promoting one’s wellbeing.

Having a place to call “home” is more than just putting a roof over one’s head. It speaks of the right each Ocean County resident has to live with a quality of life that includes a standard of decent health, the ability to get an education, the ability to secure employment, the ability to participate as productive member of society, to associate with their peers, and the privilege to vote on who will be their freeholder.

It is my observation that some of the strife and conflict stemming from the subjest of homeless has come from the approach to the subject. Perhaps we should address the matter of homelessness not as a welfare issue but as a resident’s rights issue. This approach will not in and of itself eliminate the problem. This approach will however consider the homeless in a new light. This approach will no longer cast homeless individuals as statistics and the objects of charity and help. They are people in Ocean County who deserve the same consideration and access to public services most of us in this room take for granted.

Let us assume that the Freeholders have done all that the state and federal laws allow. What barriers exist that keep the Freeholders from doing more? I would like to think that we expect more from ourselves than just meeting a basic and arbitrary minimum standard. We are Ocean County and we expect to strive for the best and to live at our best.

If you are of the mind to do more for the residents of Ocean County but find yourselves tied by the law, tell us what is needed to change the law and guide us in this process. We want to help you help the entire constituency of Ocean County.

I conclude by thanking you again for allowing me to speak to you on this subject. Rest assured that there are many people in addition to those of here this afternoon who want to help you and work with you on addressing and ultimately ending the problem of homelessness in Ocean County. Please accept our offers of help and support.You will feel better about what we are able to accomplish together. You will feel better about yourself and you will sleep in perfect peace tonight. Thank you.”

Response to our Freeholder meeting proposal

I want to first say "Thank you" to the Freeholders for permitting us time during their Oct. 19th meeting to present some of what we have learned about homelessness.  This was the first time I can recall where we spoke to the whole board (minus one Freeholder who was on vacation.)

Following our 20-minute presentation about a dozen people spoke during the public portion of the meeting.  Freeholder Director Vicari was very gracious to all the speakers and showed them great respect.  With one lone exception all the comments supported the homeless and several supported enactment of the Homeless Trust Fund in Ocean County.  (See previous posts that detail the trust fund.)

We presented the homeless issue as a social justice issue, not a political issue, and had the support of many of the clergy in the area.  We sought to establish common ground between the county government and the supporters of the homeless.  Both the Freeholders and the activists are concerned about the well-being of all people in Ocean County.  Both groups need to identify to common areas and begin there.

We had a great mix of people (about 200, SRO) at the meeting., including the homeless, businessmen and women, the clergy, retirees and community service groups.

At the conclusion of our 20-minute presentation I asked the Freeholders for follow up meetings so that we could discuss further the issues the homeless face and discuss solutions to end homelessness in Ocean County.

I called the Freeholder's office Friday afternoon and was told:
The absent Freeholder would have to be briefed before a decision would be made;
The first Freeholder meeting after our Oct. 19th presentation will be this Wednesday, Oct. 26th at which time they will discuss ithe proposal with their attorney;
And  the attorney will recommend the Freeholders not discuss the homeless issue until pending litigation between the county and the homeless is resolved for fear that it would be used in the case.

I walked away from that decision still thankful for the opportunity to have presented our findings and looking forward to further discussions once the case was resolved.  But I also sought a second opinion about the Freeholders' decision.

I am certainly not an attorney and do not pretend to offer legal advice to anyone, including the Freeholders.  But I thought you might want to see what that second opinion said.

As I mentioned, there is absolutely no reason why the Freeholders cannot meet to talk about solutions to the problem of homelessness because of the Lakewood litigation.  To start with, by Court Rule, any such meeting, even if called a settlement meeting, could not be used against the county in any way.  The applicable court rule, New Jersey Rule of Evidence 408 provides as follows: 

RULE 408. SETTLEMENT OFFERS AND NEGOTIATIONS

When a claim is disputed as to validity or amount, evidence of statements or conduct by parties or their attorneys in settlement negotiations, with or without a mediator present, including offers of compromise or any payment in settlement of a related claim, shall not be admissible to prove liability for, or invalidity of, or amount of the disputed claim. Such evidence shall not be excluded when offered for another purpose; and evidence otherwise admissible shall not be excluded merely because it was disclosed during the settlement negotiations.

I still look forward to sitting down with the Freeholders for discussions to end Ocean County homelessness and hope we can do that very soon.  This has to be a collaborative effort and the first step is to talk.

Larry's introduction to the Freeholder meeting

These are Larry's opening comments to the Freeholders Oct. 19th.

Thank you for setting aside 20 minutes of your meeting to allow us to share what we have learned after years of studying homelessness and working with that community of men, women and children.

I am Larry Meegan, President of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson.  Among the people here today are other members of community service and non-profit groups, students, businessmen and women, the homeless, and members of the clergy.

From the very outset let me assure you that we are not here to be confrontational, nor are we going to present homelessness as a political issue.  Many people would not be here this afternoon if that was our goal.  Instead, we are here to discuss homelessness as a social justice issue and in the short time we have introduce you to the humanity of homelessness.

During the past year the community service groups hosted three forums that were attended by more than 500 people to put a face on the homeless, to examine programs that have been successfully employed around the state, and to gauge Ocean County residents’ willingness to assist the poor.

We learned that many people found themselves displaced and on the street through no fault of their own. We learned that there are at least three levels of homeless: the immediate need, the transitional housing, and low-income housing.  And we learned that there must be a collaborative effort involving government, business, and the community to deal with the issue.

Efforts are being made to remedy the needs of the homeless but despite those best efforts, a lot of people are still slipping through the safety net.  Not only do we see it, the County Board of Social Services also calls attention to the fact that it does not have the resources to meet those needs.

From their letter “A Gift of Shelter,” the Board writes that the dollars they receive are sometimes not enough to take care of everyone.  “In these difficult economic times, more and more of our neighbors are finding it hard to make ends meet some unique needs that may otherwise go unmet.”

“No one should be without a roof over their head,” the letter concludes, “and every day we work to make certain residents do not go hungry or homeless.  Your donation will help our continuing efforts to assist our neighbors who need help now.”

There is a need for more resources, both money and a volunteer workforce.  Our speakers will address that and for the last two minutes I will close our presentation with an offer that will demonstrate our commitment to our neighbors and our county.

Our first speaker is Steven Nagel, Director of InfoLine in Middlesex County who will share their success story.  Next will be Lynn Swett, who following divorce suddenly found herself a single mom living in a tent.  Tracy Boyer will discuss the Housing First model and tell you how it has saved Mercer County thousands of dollars per homeless client. Pastor Mazur will discuss housing as a social justice issue and I will wrap it up.

Meeting with the Ocean County Freeholders

Supporters of the homeless in Ocean County will meet with the Freeholders at this coming Wednesday's (Oct. 19th) meeting. We will have 20 minutes during the meeting. Those who we cannot fit into the 20 minute span can address the Freeholders during the public portion at the end of the meeting.

Our purpose for the meeting is two-fold: to present what we have learned over the past couple of years by examining what has been successfully tried in the state; and to offer our assistance to work with county government to end homelessness in Ocean County.  The most basic similarity both the county officials and our coalitions have can be taken from a letter published by the Ocean County Board of Social Services: "No one should be without a roof over their head and everyday we work to make certain our residents do not go hungry or homeless." (Excerpted from OC Board of Social Services, "A Gift of Shelter.")

Your presence at the Freeholder's meeting (Wednesday) will demonstrate the public's support for the homeless.  You do not have to make a statement, though as with Freeholder meetings there is time for public comment (limited to 5 minutes) at the end of the meeting.

And while it is not my place to tell people what to say, our intent is not to make this a political issue but rather one about social justice.  Let us lay out our findings and recommendations and make an offer to continue the dialogue.

I know there have been several false starts attempted with individual officials in the past, but I think this is the first time we will have made a presentation before the whole Board of Chosen Freeholders. Call me naive but I think this may signal a willingness to confront homelessness cooperatively.  Several sides have expertise in various facets of the solution.  Let this be an opportunity to start the discussion.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.  I hope to see you at Wednesday's meeting (first floor of the OC Administration Building on the corner of Hooper Av & Washington St. @ 4 p.m.  Free parking is available in the 5-story garage behind the Admin Building, accessible from Hadley Avenue.)

And (with apologies to those who differ with me on this, I mean no offense) please pray for the outcome of this meeting.

OC Freeholders: help on its way for up to 22 first-time home buyers

Program Provides Access to the Dream of Homeownership
8/17/2011

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials anticipate helping 22 additional county families purchase their first homes this year under the Ocean County First-Time Homebuyer Program.

"We have administered this program in Ocean County since 1994 and as a result have helped 406 families purchase their first homes," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the program. "This Board of Freeholders, with its community partners, is helping families take that big step of purchasing their first home."

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is awarding a contract to OCEAN Inc., the anti-poverty agency, to oversee the program for fiscal year 2011.

"OCEAN Inc. under the direction of Ted Gooding, has done a great job in administering this program, meeting the federal and county program requirements," Little said. "OCEAN Inc. has served as the First Time Homebuyer Program administrator and consultant since 1997."

Under the contract, OCEAN Inc. will administer $220,000 in federal HOME funds that will be used for down payments and closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a home for low and moderate income individuals and families.

"We anticipate 22 applicants will be able to settle into their first home under this program in fiscal year 2011," Little said. "Moving into that first home is such an important achievement that comes with a strong sense of security for the individual and their family."

Little noted that a family must meet certain eligibility requirements to be considered for the program.

In order to apply, an applicant must have three percent down payment and meet the following criteria: good credit rating, sufficient income to support mortgage payments, and their income must not exceed the HUD income limit set for the Ocean County region.

"This program helps first time homeowners learn the ins and outs of homeownership," Little said. "The potential buyers are schooled in budgeting and finances and all those details needed to be a successful homeowner. There is a very valuable educational component that comes along with this program."

A total of $3.4 million in HOME Investment Partnership funding has been allocated to the First-Time Homebuyers Program in Ocean County. Homes purchased have a total real estate value of $58 million and the average home price closed within the last 18 months is $155,733.

"This program illustrates the importance of partnerships among public and private agencies here in Ocean County," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "OCEAN Inc., eight lending institutions and Ocean County have all joined together in making homeownership a reality. The end result of this program is priceless."

OC Freeholderes press release: Report focuses on children & families at risk of abuse

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Human Services Advisory Council and the Children's Inter Agency Coordinating Council recently completed a community needs assessment concerning children and families at risk of child abuse and neglect.
Public comment on the draft report is being accepted through May 19. The report can be accessed at http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/ciacc/DCF%20Needs%20Assessment.pdf .
Comments can be addressed to Jamie Hart, coordinator for the Ocean County Children's Inter Agency Coordinating Council by email at jhart@co.ocean.nj.us by calling her at 732-506-5374 or in writing at CN 2191, 1027 Hooper Ave., Building 2, Toms River, N.J. 08754-2191.
"Our advisory councils have worked diligently throughout this process," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Human Services. "I want to recognize all of our volunteers and staff members in addition to the various other county advisory boards that participated in this effort. We work hard at identifying the needs of our children and families and then linking them with appropriate services that can help improve their quality of life."
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families requested the 21 counties to complete a community needs assessment concerning children and families at risk of child abuse and neglect.
According to the report's Executive Summary the county will use the document as the basis for advocacy related to service development, in the effort to meet the human services needs of children and families. Community based organizations are encouraged to reference the report and use the data compiled for future grant proposals and organizational strategic planning processes.
The report looks at eight different target areas including basic needs, behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment, services for youth preparing to leave the state Division of Youth and Family Services supervision, domestic violence services, early care and education, services for special needs youth and delinquency prevention.

Connie Pascale: Comments Concerning the 5-year Consolidated Plan

The Planning Board presents its findings to the Ocean County Freeholders Wednesday afternoon @ 4 p.m. Attorney Connie Pascale has examined the document and drafted a response to the proposals. His draft can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TkeWPQNwPHypEOySKiuN08A9ZAvEnrzkOEHu8cG_o74/edit?hl=en##

Freeholders to hold public hearing for federal housing funds

A PUBLIC HEARING on the allocation of $2,353,707 in 2011 federal housing and development funds is set for May 4 before the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Freeholders will invite public testimony on both a $1,114,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a $1,239,707 Federal HOME award.

"Unfortunately, funding for both of these programs have been significantly cut by the federal government," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little.

Little noted that CDBG funds were trimmed by 16 percent compared to last year and HOME funding was down 12 percent.

"Despite these cuts we will allocate the remaining funds to programs that improve the quality of life for the residents of Ocean County," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.

HOME funds will be allocated to four programs in 2011, Vicari said.

First-Time Homebuyers program, housing rehabilitation efforts, affordable rental units built community development housing organizations, and tenant-based rental assistance programs will share in the funds.

Little said all of the programs have been successful in helping low-income residents find a home.

To date, the First-Time Home Buyers Program has helped 394 families purchase their first home.

"This year another 22 families will purchase a new home thanks to this important program," Little said.

Another six homes will undergo extensive repairs through the Housing Rehabilitation funds. To date, 214 homes have been repaired through this initiative.

Affordable Rental Units have provided homes to 109 residents.

An additional 602 families have benefited from the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, which provides an $803 per month rental subsidy for up to 24 months.

Thirty additional families will receive funding from the program in 2011.

Vicari said CDBG funds totaling $568,739 will fund sidewalk and handicapped access improvements in 14 towns, including Bay Head, Eagleswood, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Manchester, Mantoloking, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, and South Toms River.

Grant money will also be allocated to housing rehabilitation and public services.

Eleven non-profit agencies, including food banks, services for the homeless and programs for domestic violence and abused and neglected children will receive funding, Vicari said.

The Public Hearing on the grants is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at 4 p.m. in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue.

OC Connection Mobile Service Center to visit library locations

The County Connection Mobile Service Center will be at several branches of the Ocean County Library.  Services provided by the mobile unit include County IDs, passports, senior and veteran services, consumer affairs, voter registration and parks and tourism information. (Fees are required for some services.)

Point Pleasant Boro, 834 Beaver Dam Rd. (732) 295-1555; Thursday 5/19 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Little Egg Harbor, 290 Mathistown Rd (609) 294-1197; Friday 5/20 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Plumsted, 119 Evergreen Rd., New Egypt (609) 758-7888;  Monday 6/6  1:00-3:00pm

Long Beach Island, 217 S. Central Av, Surf City (609) 494-2480; Friday 6/24, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

OC Freeholders announce transportation grants

Non-Profits Get Assistance From County 4/13/2011 TOMS RIVER – Now in its 26th year, Ocean County is getting ready to distribute more than $47,000 in grant funds to 20 non-profit organizations that help provide transportation to the elderly and disabled. "This program goes hand-in-hand with our Ocean Ride public transportation system by helping to offset transportation costs for some non-profit organizations," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to Ocean Ride. The minigrant program began in 1985 and has provided almost $1.6 million to a variety of local non-profit organizations to support their efforts to provide transportation services to their specific participants. "The program is funded through a portion of the county's casino revenue grant received from NJ Transit," Little said. "Ocean County continues to be the only county in the state to provide a portion of its grant funds to help local non-profit agencies." Kathleen Edmond, director of the Ocean County Department of Transportation, noted that the maximum grant award for the 2011 program was $2,400. In recognition of the fact that Ocean County's casino grant has been reduced in recent years, the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Committee recommended that the transportation minigrant allocation maximum grant award total $2,400. "This measure was recommended to avert more drastic measures should the County receive additional cuts from the state's casino fund in coming years," Little noted. "Further, given recent earnings reports from the Atlantic City casino industry, the committee recommended to continue the suspension on considering new applicants, since doing so would place an additional strain on the minigrant program in future years." Grant recipients are: The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, Inc.; Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey; Community Medical Center Foundation; Community Services, Inc. of Ocean County; Counseling and Referral Services of Ocean County/Seashore Family Services Inc.; Eye Openers of Point Pleasant/Brick; Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County; Jewish Family & Children's Services/Jewish Federation of O.C.; LADACIN Network (Cerebral Palsy of Mon./Ocean Counties); Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc.; Manchester Township Senior Outreach Program; NJ Coalition on Women & Disabilities Ocean County Chapter, Ocean County Board of Social Services; Ocean Housing Alliance, Inc.; Our Special Kids of Toms River Inc.; The Special Children Center, Inc.; Team Randy; Toms River Township Senior Center; Twenty-One-Plus, Inc., and Vetwork, A Program of Vetgroup, Inc. "The size of Ocean County – more than 620 square miles – makes it difficult for the county to run a transportation system that can accommodate the needs of all of our residents," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "Providing this funding to these agencies helps to enhance the county's program." Grant applications are reviewed by the Ocean County Transportation Services Department in cooperation with the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Committee for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, which makes the funding recommendation to the freeholders.

OC Freeholder press release re. senior services

Jan. 13, 2011

SENIOR PROGRAMS READY FOR 2011

PROGRAMS RANGING from meals-on-wheels to caregivers services will continue to be provided by the Ocean County Department of Senior Services in 2011.

"Our seniors deserve these comprehensive and diverse services to ensure that they can enjoy the best possible quality of life," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.

Services including outreach to the homebound elderly, volunteer friendly visitors, telephone reassurances, health screening and education are all included in the contracts scheduled to be approved by the Board during its January 19 meeting.

The 36 competitive contracts total more than $2.3 million.
The Meals-on-Wheels and Congregate meal programs are expected to deliver more than 317,600 meals to senior citizens in the New Year, Vicari said.

The nutrition program awards to Community Services, Inc. were approved earlier and the Kosher Home Delivered Meals are among the contracts up for approval on January 19.

"These meals are often a lifeline for the frail and disabled, bringing not only nutritional value but also social contact," Vicari said. "About 60% of home delivered meals clients are at high nutritional risk."

Other contracts include transportation, legal services, caregiver services, care management, benefits screening, chore services and a host of others.

"More than a quarter of Ocean County's population is over the age of 60, including more than 75,000 people aged 75 and older," Vicari said. "Providing beneficial programs and services for the older adult population continues to be a priority for the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders."

The Office of Senior Services serves as a clearinghouse, teaming up seniors with programs that can help make a difference in their daily lives, Vicari said.

The office will oversee a total of 52 contracts with 22 governmental and non-profit agencies in 2011 totaling over $5.3 million.

This year, 536,411 units of service will be provided to 35,379 persons.

Access to information and assistance is a major focus for the Office of Senior Services, said D. Jane Maloney, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

"Our seniors need to know they can come to us and we can match them up with the appropriate services," Maloney said. "Over 12,000 individuals called or visited us in 2010 and our Outreach sites plan to provide this assistance to over 18,000 individuals in 2011."

For further information regarding services call Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899.