Relay For Life Coming Around Again

ing homelessness in Ocean County. Joining twelve other counties in New Jersey that have already adopted similar measures, the Ocean County Clerk’s office will charge a $5 fee on most re-

By Chris Lundy LACEY– The

annual Relay for Life has handed the baton over to a new leader and it is ready to make the rounds again.

The event raises money for the American Cancer Society, which has donated more than $5 billion to cancer research since 1946.

(Homeless - See Page 4) (Relay for Life - See Page 6)

Route 72: Continued From Page 1

Construction is anticipated to resume after Labor Day, on or about September 11.

“NJDOT has been working with the contractor and the town to develop an adjusted schedule to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible. The project schedule was affected by utility work delays and the discovery of some contaminated soil on 8th Street that required environmental permitting and remediation before the project could proceed. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024,” NJDOT said in a press release. and new outfalls will be installed in an effort to reduce frequent flooding along Route 72 and these intersections.

The project is designed to improve safety and reduce congestion in Stafford at the Marsha Drive/Route 72 intersection and in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island.

In Stafford, Marsha Drive will be widened to provide double left turn lanes onto Route 72, and a third lane will be added on Route 72 in both directions near the intersection, officials said.

In Ship Bottom, approximately 3,000 feet of Route 72 (locally known as 8th and 9th Streets) and three cross roads (Barnegat Avenue, Central Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard) will be widened. Two-way traffic will be restored along Central Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard.

Five traffic signals will be reconstructed, and a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of 8th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, officials said.

“As a reminder, even with all lanes open and construction halted for the summer, there is always an increase in traffic this time of year at the shore. Motorists should plan extra travel time, expect delays, and exercise patience,” NJDOT said

Homeless:

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“A county-run homelessness trust fund gives us the opportunity to look at real-time economics and have great funding flexibilities providing help where some state and federally funded programs may not, ” said Crea. “It is far from one size fits all when it comes to providing the assistance our residents need to keep them from becoming homeless or to get them reestablished once they are homeless.”

Crea added that one of the critical benefits of the fund is that it will also allow for the provision of services to individuals who were not previously eligible for services. Money from the trust fund can be used with more flexibility to provide rental assistance vouchers, supportive services, and prevention services. However, state guidelines prohibit the county from using the funds to build a homeless shelter.

“With the adoption of this ordinance, we will establish a task force to oversee the fund and serve as the advisory board to the Board of Commissioners,” Crea shared. “Many of the steps needed to establish a Homelessness Trust Find are already in place and have been worked on by the Ocean County Department of Human Services for many years, including a ten-year plan to address homelessness.”

During the public hearing on the creation of the trust fund, various individuals expressed their gratitude to the commissioners and demonstrated their interest in serving on the task force. Among those who spoke was Michael McNeil from STEPS (Solutions

Additionally, a new storm drainage system

To End Poverty Soon), an organization that actively works with the homeless population in Lakewood and Toms River. McNeil emphasized the importance of including representatives from nonprofit organizations on the task force, as they hold valuable insights and data necessary for effective decision-making.

“You can’t fix it if you really don’t hear all the truth,” said McNeil. “A lot of the data you get is sometimes way behind. Not once has somebody asked us for the data, and we have one of the best programs when it comes to dealing with the homeless.”

McNeil also expressed his appreciation for the work done by Paul Hulse, the CEO of Just Believe, Inc., and suggested his experiences might add to the task force. Hulse commended the county’s positive direction and acknowledged the hard work done by everyone involved, including the commissioners, advocates, and nonprofit organizations.

Drivers can check NJDOT’s traffic information website 511nj.org for real-time travel information. corded documents to generate resources for the fund.

Reverend Ted Foley, Deacon of Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, is a founding member of Toms River Housing & Homeless Coalition. Foley emphasized the wide-ranging impact of homelessness on the community, extending beyond housing to healthcare, schools, and law enforcement.

Drawing from his recent visit to Portland, Oregon, where he witnessed the proliferation of homeless camps and makeshift shelters, Foley highlighted how such conditions can dramatically change the character of a city. He expressed support for the creation of the homelessness trust fund, emphasizing the need for well-resourced and integrated efforts to address the root causes of homelessness and provide (Homeless - See Page 5)