Toms River’s wooded homeless camps are set to close as Mayor Daniel Rodrick received approval from the Township Council to use unallocated American Rescue Plan funds for temporary hotel housing for those residing in these camps as winter approaches. The camps, which expanded over the past two years during Mayor Mo Hill’s administration, became a safety concern for Mayor Rodrick, making their closure a top priority for him. His administration is collaborating closely with the State Department of Community Affairs, which has designated funds to help transition the homeless into permanent housing.
“Large numbers of undocumented individuals living in our woods is a safety concern for our residents and their children. This cannot continue. They are not only a risk to our residents – with winter approaching – they are a risk to themselves.”
The initiative to house the homeless population will not affect township taxes, as it utilizes federal funds allocated for situations like this. The council approved Rodrick’s plan to allocate $250,000 from an unforeseen $2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds that would otherwise need to be returned to the federal government next year. This funding aims to provide up to six months of motel housing for the homeless currently living in camps while the State Department of Community Affairs works on securing permanent housing solutions.
Many individuals in these camps lack identification, making it challenging for state providers to gather the necessary paperwork, often taking several months. With the township’s assistance, individuals residing in camps will be placed in motels out of the area while the state helps them to get their paperwork together. Rodrick highlighted that the initiative is not just about financial aid and accommodations; it’s also focused on ensuring these individuals receive the support they need to transition to more stable lives.
He noted that relocating campers to motels will aid the State Department of Community Affairs and other organizations in finding permanent housing, while also addressing issues such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. Additionally, some motels accommodate pets, which is vital as many displaced individuals are unwilling to abandon their animals.
Rodrick stressed the intention to eliminate the wooded camps entirely. “Once we do that, they will sign an agreement and shut the camp down. Toms River will no longer be a location for homeless individuals living in the woods,” he stated. The mayor also believes this move is crucial to protect vulnerable populations, especially elderly individuals relying on Social Security, from facing another winter in the woods.