TOMS RIVER, NJ – A large homeless encampment was discovered just blocks away from the proposed Downtown Toms River apartment complex, which is supposed to be the anchor to the small village’s economic future.
The camp, which has been operating under the radar for nearly a year, was officially recognized by local officials this week after it was spotted by a plane operated by the Ocean County Air Support Squadron.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy notified local authorities, including township and county officials, police and local outreach groups.
The camp poses a political problem for Toms River and Ocean County officials. It is in the heart of Toms River Mayor Mo Hill’s “redevelopment” center in Downtown Toms River, in an area with a soured history that culminated in the demolition of the derelict Red Carpet Inn several years ago.
The residents of that motel were displaced, but in its place, nearby, a homeless camp has grown.
The homeless camp is supported by Reverend Steven Brigham, who also operated similar camps in Lakewood Township and Howell Township in recent years.
Toms River and county officials have been clamoring for a solution to the county’s homeless shelter, and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently approved a $5 document surcharge on all county documents. That money will go to assist the homeless.
Residents in the camp, according to Brigham, range in age from 28 to 78.
Brigham criticized local officials saying the visit wasn’t to help the homeless but to dismantle their encampment.
“Three days ago, without warning, about 35 people from local government-related agencies and programs descended on the camp. They were there to help implement a strategy to dismantle the camp and disrupt this harmonious and loving community under the guise of offering help and a better alternative to their situation,” Brigham said. “As you know, everyone living in this camp was there because they had no other option. They had asked all the government agencies for help and had exhausted every housing option they could think of. They had no other place to turn but the camp. Most of the residents have become very bitter and untrusting towards the government for abandoning them in their darkest hour.”
Brigham says the homeless in the camp are there because the township and county do not offer viable alternatives for those in need. Brigham called the visit by local officials ‘an invasion’ of the encampment.
“In the aftermath of the government invasion of the camp, I went tent to tent to assess the damages. Everyone was terrified! Their eyes were wide from fear and apprehension. Out of pure panic, a few of the residents said they had agreed to take the offer of a few weeks in a hotel, so in their case, the fear tactics had accomplished their intended goal. Meanwhile, other residents said, “no way!” they weren’t going to be played the fool, and their dignity was worth more than the temporary trinkets they were being offered only to be kicked to the street in a few weeks with nothing,” he added.
The land, according to officials, is owned by JCP&L.
The camp includes a solar-powered shower for residents, and Brigham helps the residents with necessities.