Zoning board grants Toms River nonprofit organization allowance of a permanent family homeless shelter
Thursday night’s zoning board ruling will now allow the home to operate as a permanent shelter, giving families staying there more access to resources and time to find stability.
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After a chaotic week in Toms River, the zoning board voted unanimously to grant an organization a permanent homeless shelter for up to three families at Saint Joseph’s Church.
Since 1997, Interfaith Family Services in Toms River has used a home on the Saint Joseph’s Church property as a temporary shelter for more than 1,000 families. Thursday night’s zoning board ruling will now allow the home to operate as a permanent shelter, giving families staying there more access to resources and time to find stability.
Father Scott Shaffer works hand in hand with those in need at Interfaith Family Services.
“These folks will feel like they're still in a house and a home,” said Father Shaffer. “We will be able to offer more consistent services to the families and the individuals.”
Under the temporary shelter status, families were forced to leave after a week. Now, the home becomes a sanctuary, providing up to three families without the constant moving, changing schools and worrying about what’s next.
Mary Cranwell is the director of Interfaith Family Services.
“We have a 98% success rate. We are here specifically for families, and we're hoping that this leads to other communities embracing family homelessness and taking care of their own permanent shelters,” said Cranwell.
“It was so great to be in that same room where so much chaos ensues and bring peace and joy to people's minds and hearts and their hearts,” said Dana Tormollan, a mom and member of the Toms River Zoning Board.
The permanent family shelter has the support of Mayor Dan Rodrick, who came under fire last year after removing a homeless encampment in the town's parking garage.
“If we can help two families avoid falling deeper into crisis, we strengthen the entire community. Keeping mothers and children safe and stable reduces long-term social costs and preserves family unity," says Rodrick.
The shelter can only house up to 14 people in three families. The problem Ocean County faces, finding affordable housing for everyone, remains much larger.
“It's right in front of you how many people need to be helped and could use a safe space like this,” said Tormollan.
