A war of words is developing between the Toms River mayor and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen. The issue stems from a pop-up restaurant located inside the Ocean County Library’s downtown branch.

Angela Calise says she’s been homeless for the last six years. She says she often finds warmth and shelter inside public spaces like the Ocean County Library on cold days.

“It’s like below 20 [degrees] now, it feels like, and for me, I’m a woman. I shouldn’t have to live outside,” said Calise.

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick says homeless people are coming to the library downtown and creating a hazard.

“We think what [Bon Jovi] tries to do for people in need is a positive thing. This is not about Bon Jovi, this is about nonprofits given space by Ocean County (Commissioners) to operate a warming center,” said Rodrick.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen began temporary operations at the Ocean County Library Branch on Feb. 6 as approved by the county.

Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione is the liaison between the library and the county.

“Unfortunately, with the weather when we had such cold days, there was nowhere for them to go during the day so they do tend to find the places, which would be your public libraries,” said Bacchione.

The commissioner says they also have a sheriff’s deputy stationed outside of the library during the day “to make sure our patrons and staff are safe."

Homeless advocate and attorney Terrance Turnbach founded “Pop the Trunk,” an organization that helps feed up to 500 families per week. He says Ocean County needs to invest in more support services for those in need.

“If we can focus on the humanity of it and work towards a solution, this will be an easy fix,” said Turnbach.

In a statement, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen says, "The JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchen are committed to ending homelessness through real solutions. We are not here to just move people around or force them into the shadows. Our Foundation has built nearly a thousand units of affordable and supportive housing. Through our JBJ Soul Kitchen, we connect people to resources and services. Whether they need employment, mental health support, or housing, we try to remove the barriers that are keeping them from thriving, not just surviving. We are unsure where the mayor thinks millions of dollars are trading hands, but we are completely unaware of any such programs and receive no such funding. We invite anyone to The B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River or to the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up to see what we are doing to end homelessness and hunger in our community."