Year-long homeless struggle for downtown toms river man ends with support of community

Year-Long Homeless Struggle for Downtown Toms River Man Ends With Support of Community

by
April 5, 2024
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Local Community Effort Leads to Permanent Housing for Homeless Individual

TRENTON, NJ — In Downtown Toms River, a formerly homeless individual has secured permanent housing, marking a bright turn in their life. The successful housing effort is attributed to the collective work of numerous local figures and organizations, including Staci Laubauskas, Paul Hulse, Phil Studnicky, and Just Believe Inc. These parties provided essential support such as a phone, transportation, food, and financial assistance.

Local attorney and former Toms River Township Councilman Terrance Turnbach credited the community effort in not only finding the man roof over his head, but for the continued success in the venture that has found shelter for dozens of homeless individuals in the Toms River area.

“This man spent the last year sleeping on the ground, and with some help and kindness, in just a short amount of time, all that has changed for him. Today is a great day, appreciate everyone involved in this process,” Turnbach said.

Turnbach noted that additional contributions came from Deena Casciano-Gifford, Pastor Paul Gifford, Dominick Farro, the law firm of Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham & Turnbach, and Cliff Yannone. Their efforts ensured the individual had a roof over their head during the transition period. The individual, who had spent the previous year living on the streets, experienced a dramatic change in circumstances thanks to this community support.

The achievement was announced today, highlighting the end of a year-long struggle for the individual. This event also underscores the broader success of housing efforts in Ocean County, with 90 people including families having been moved from homelessness to permanent housing since January. The collective endeavor showcases the power of community collaboration and compassion in addressing homelessness.

This week, Ocean County announced a Homeless Trust Fund, which has generated $91,000 in donations to date.

Paul Hulse of Just Believe Inc. said, “That makes 90 people, including families in permanent housing since January 2024, out of homelessness in Ocean County. Amazing teamwork, amazing team, and amazing community make things happen like this. We are so blessed to be part of all of what’s happening for the homeless population in Ocean County.”

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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