TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department has stationed officers in downtown Toms River and at the Ocean County Library in Lakewood, citing public safety concerns as tensions rise over homelessness near public facilities.
The move comes after Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick publicly raised concerns about increasing gatherings of homeless individuals at the Toms River library branch. In recent weeks, Rodrick attributed the situation to the opening of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen inside the library, referring to the nonprofit operation as a “soup kitchen” that he claims has attracted the unhoused population to the area.
“One of our missions is to help those in need and keep our community safe,” the sheriff’s department said in a public statement. “Until further notice we will have officers posted downtown in Toms River and in Lakewood at the Ocean County Library.”
Rodrick said there have been dozens of police-involved incidents at the library site and urged families to consider visiting the Brick branch instead. He did not provide a specific timeline or number of incidents but maintained the increased activity poses safety concerns.
While county officials initially denied a rise in homelessness linked to the Soul Kitchen, the sheriff’s presence signals a shift in the county’s approach to the situation. The department emphasized that it is working with law enforcement partners throughout Ocean County to maintain safety at all county facilities.
Soul Kitchen’s future uncertain amid debate
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen opened under a lease with the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, offering pay-it-forward meals as part of its charitable mission. That lease is set to expire this month. County officials have not announced whether the agreement will be renewed in light of the controversy.
The Soul Kitchen has not commented publicly on the mayor’s claims or the increased law enforcement presence.
Officials say the deployments will remain in place until further notice as they continue to monitor conditions at the Toms River library.