Toms River's Affordable Housing Fund: A Lifeline for the Homeless?

Toms River, a New Jersey township, is exploring a novel approach to addressing its homeless population. Mayor Daniel Rodrick and his administration are considering utilizing the township's affordable housing trust fund, which currently holds $9 million, to provide shelter and support for those living in the woods and downtown areas. This move comes amidst ongoing negotiations with state agencies and advocacy groups, as the township seeks to balance its responsibilities and resources to serve its own homeless residents while grappling with the broader regional challenges of homelessness.

Unlocking the Potential of Affordable Housing Funds to Aid the Homeless

Exploring a Collaborative Approach

Mayor Rodrick and his team have been in discussions with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Fair Share Housing Center, an advocacy group that enforces the state's affordable housing requirements. The conversations have been promising, with the DCA and the township reportedly working together to secure $3 to $4 million to house some homeless residents for one year. This collaborative effort suggests a willingness to explore innovative solutions that leverage the township's existing resources to address the pressing issue of homelessness.

Addressing the Burden of Homelessness

Toms River has long been a hub for social services in Ocean County, attracting a significant homeless population from across the region. Mayor Rodrick has expressed concerns about the township shouldering the burden of the county's homeless population, noting that people have been brought into the township's wooded camps from all over the county and even other parts of the state. The mayor's stance reflects a desire to find a more equitable distribution of responsibility, calling for the county to utilize other municipalities to house the homeless.

Repurposing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund

The affordable housing trust fund, which has accumulated $9 million over the years from contributions by developers, has remained largely untouched. Mayor Rodrick sees an opportunity to leverage these funds to provide shelter and support for the homeless population in Toms River. By tapping into this resource, the township could potentially house all those experiencing homelessness within its borders, a significant undertaking that could have a transformative impact on the community.

Navigating Challenges and Partnerships

The township's efforts to address homelessness have not been without challenges. A dispute with the homeless advocacy group Just Believe Inc. has resulted in the closure of the township-owned Riverwood Park Code Blue shelter, which had operated for the past seven years. This development has added to the complexity of the situation, requiring the township to explore alternative solutions.

Balancing Responsibilities and Resources

Council President Craig Coleman has emphasized the need for Toms River to focus on serving its own homeless residents, rather than shouldering the responsibility for the entire county's homeless population. This perspective highlights the delicate balance the township must strike between its own resources and the broader regional challenges of homelessness.

Fostering Collaboration and Compassion

Advocates for the homeless have expressed concerns about the current administration's approach, with some suggesting a less friendly stance towards the homeless population. However, the township's efforts to explore innovative solutions, such as utilizing the affordable housing trust fund, demonstrate a willingness to address the issue with compassion and a commitment to finding sustainable solutions.As Toms River navigates this complex landscape, the potential to leverage its affordable housing resources to provide shelter and support for the homeless population represents a promising avenue for addressing this pressing social challenge. The township's collaborative approach and its efforts to balance local and regional responsibilities will be crucial in shaping the outcome and setting an example for other communities facing similar challenges.