Ocean County Seeking More Funding to Combat Homelessness

Ocean County officials will seek $1.4 million in federal grant funding to combat homelessness, an increase of about 4 percent over last year.

The county freeholder board this week held the final public hearing on $989,514 in federal HOME funding grants, which are used to fund rental assistance, housing rehabilitation and the First-Time Homebuyers program.

The public hearing also addressed more than $1,043,916 million in Community Development Block Grants, some of which is also devoted to homeless programs. Allocations include $285,750 for both housing rehabilitation and emergency housing rehabilitation. A portion of the grant money will also help pay for a number programs for low-income, disabled and senior residents.

The freeholders have occasionally been criticized over the county's lack of a shelter run by the county government. Instead, the county runs a number of programs that place homeless residents in rental properties and hotel rooms. A number of nonprofit organizations also run their own anti-homeless programs, some of which are the beneficiaries of the grant funding.

Among the recipients of grant funding this year are King of Kings Community Church for a homeless shelter, Interfaith Hospitality Network for a shelter and assistance to homeless families with children, Hometown Heroes for housing assistance, Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and Ocean County Hunger Relief. Remaining funding is allocated for senior transportation, handicapped access in various towns and other programs.

In the past, the grants have been used to rehabilitate more than 1,000 homes owned by low-income families, provide assistance to 456 first time homebuyer families and subsidize rent for another 718 families, Freeholder Gerry P. Little said.

“With this money, which represents a 4 percent increase over 2013, we will continue to support these vital programs to help our less-fortunate families have a roof over their heads,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, in a statement.

In addition to the county's grant funding, the three largest municipalities in the county – Lakewood, Brick and Toms River – have applied for an additional, combined $1,918,712 in federal funding.