SOUTH TOMS RIVER – In the absence of a county homeless shelter, nonprofits and towns have been stepping up to provide a save haven for those in need. The latest has been a partnership between Just Believe and the borough of South Toms River.
The Recreation Center on Drake Lane will be the site of the Code Blue overnight warming center. In a unique move, the site will also be able to house a small number of families.
Code Blue is a state designation. It means that whenever the temperature drops to near freezing, shelters open up for overnight stays only.
Anna Polozzo, chair of the Recreation Commission, said that Just Believe CEO Paul Hulse came to a South Toms River Council meeting and gave a presentation about the needs that homeless families and individuals in the area have. The council identified the Recreation Center as the only building in town that would suffice and officials started working on making it happen.
There are “certain guardrails to protect the surrounding community,” Polozzo said. For example, Just Believe will be transporting the clients into the facility at night and out in the morning.
Hulse said that there is a main gym that will have cots set up for 10 individuals. There are also three other smaller rooms that can be used for families. There is space for 10 total family members among these rooms.
He thanked South Toms River officials for being open to this concept and then making it happen. He also thanked Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines for her support, and former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach for helping Just Believe get situated at Riverfront Park in Toms River and for getting the temperature rules changed statewide.
“The boots on the ground people” were thanked for all their hard work every day and night, Hulse said. “Without them we wouldn’t exist. This is an ‘us’ moment.”
“It’s a much needed service,” Mayor Oscar Cradle said. “There are lots of people in this county that needs help.”
“I’m very proud of what South Toms River has done because we know what happened in Toms River,” Haines said. “It’s sad that the Toms River mayor did this.”
She was referencing how Just Believe came to the Riverwood Park building one day in summer and found themselves locked out. Many people have accused Mayor Daniel Rodrick of doing this out of spite because Hulse supported the police chief in a disagreement between the chief and the mayor. Rodrick said it was just a changed lock, and there was no reason for Code Blue people to use the building in the summer.
Just Believe expects to begin operations at the South Toms River Recreation Center this winter, Hulse said.
