LITTLE EGG HARBOR – A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on Larry’s Home, a transitional housing facility for Ocean County male veterans struggling with addiction. The event drew nearly a hundred people, including government officials, veterans, and community members.
The project, spearheaded by the non-profit organization Just Believe, Inc., is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering dedication to helping those in need. Larry’s Home is named in honor of Lawrence “Larry” Robertiello, a beloved friend of Just Believe CEO Paul Hulse, who tragically passed away from an accidental drug overdose after returning from military service.
Hulse said that the groundbreaking was a monumental day for not only Just Believe but also the veterans who are among the homeless the organization serves. He thanked his team for their commitment to ensuring Larry’s memory would live on through the transitional home.
“As of this week, we will have housed 171 people since January 2024, including families out of homelessness in Ocean County,” said Hulse. “That’s a huge success with this team that stands behind me and all their hard work and dedication for what we do. With this veteran’s home, I guarantee you we’re going to have just as much success helping the veterans.”
Among the dignitaries present at the groundbreaking were Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-12), Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, and former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill. Jay Hayden, a board member of Ma Deuce Deuce, a group whose objective is to help veterans struggling with PTSD, also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Hayden said he also grew up with Robertiello and Hulse and had fond memories of their times together in Waretown. After serving fourteen years in the Air Force, Hayden returned to New Jersey. Like many vets, Hayden said he had difficulty relating to civilian life.
“What we do (at Ma Deuce Deuce) is get veterans reconnected with other veterans,” Hayden shared. “It sort of has helped build that camaraderie that may have been lost when they separated from the military.”
Ma Deuce Deuce plans to become involved in Larry’s Home to continue that sense of solidarity. Robertiello’s uncle Ken Walter was at the groundbreaking and expressed his gratitude and suggested other local involvement.
Walter said he’d known about the proposed project for over two years and has shared the information with his neighbors within Harbor Bay, a local senior development. Although he’s not a veteran himself, Walter hopes that his community’s men’s club as well as the veterans club will be able to become involved in Larry’s Home.
“Hopefully, once the people start moving in, maybe we can help out,” said Walter. “We can contribute by supplying some clothes, socks, underwear, and food, if necessary.”
Sauickie and Hill both acknowledged that they traveled from other parts of the county to celebrate the kickoff of Larry’s Home. The assemblyman first learned of the project after reading a news article and was impressed by Just Believe’s work. A Military Veterans Affairs Committee member, Sauickie said his representation in Monmouth and Ocean counties includes the greatest number of veterans in the state.
A fairly new member to the assembly, Sauickie said he feels legislative members from both political parties are aligned with giving veterans increased support.
“By far, my number one priority is food insecurity, hunger,” Sauickie shared. “It is criminal to me that our veterans struggle to eat and to feed their families.”
“One of the things that I’m focused on is trying to address that, and address that in a way that works for veterans,” continued the assemblyman. “The veterans are proud; they don’t ask for a lot. They don’t want to ask for handouts in any way, but they deserve our support, and that’s something that I want to make sure that we focus on going forward.”
Hill, a former Toms River mayor and Navy veteran, commended Hulse and Just Believe for their work in his community. He recalled the organization’s role in bringing people in from the cold. Hill added that once Larry’s Home is complete, it will serve as a perfect connection for veterans.
About Larry’s Home
Kristi Leary, a member of the family who donated the land, was also at the groundbreaking ceremony. She expressed her pride in contributing to such a meaningful cause.
Upon completion, Larry’s House will accommodate six veterans in its four-bedroom space, providing them with a safe environment for up to twelve months. Residents will work closely with a case manager, setting and achieving monthly goals to support their recovery. The home will be equipped with a security system to ensure safety, with a strong focus on maintaining a sober lifestyle throughout their stay.
