After Township Opposition, Church Cancels Toms River Homeless Shelter

A long-debated plan to build a homeless shelter in downtown Toms River has been scrapped after local officials rejected it and considered seizing the church property.

Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street wanted to create a 17-bed homeless shelter at its community center to enhance its outreach. The project provided safe homes for needy persons while continuing the church’s free meals, clothing gifts, and family support. After nearly a year of talks, hearings, and legal action, the initiative was dropped.

The township’s Zoning Board voted 5-2 against the exception for the 949-square-foot shelter earlier this summer, marking a turning point. Locals strongly rejected the project at May hearings. Critics worried that a shelter so close to schools and a children’s country club would pose safety risks.

Church officials considered legal action after the refusal. Harvey York, their attorney, said the church chose not to appeal. The township council’s threat to seize the land influenced that decision. April’s council vote gave the mayor eminent domain authority to buy or take the site and turn it into a downtown park.

Mayor Daniel Rodrick called the property acquisition a positive investment for the township, but the ordinance remains on hold. Still, the church considered the confiscation a severe concern and stopped fighting for the refuge.

The church said it will fight any township condemnation of the land. Nearly 10,000 individuals signed an online petition and raised over $25,000 for legal fees to assist the church. Supporters say blocking a faith-based mission with eminent domain sets a dangerous precedent and unfairly targets a congregation that has traditionally supported Toms River’s most disadvantaged inhabitants.

The shelter idea has been scrapped, but the dispute has sparked discussions about how communities should balance community concerns with the critical need for homeless assistance. Supporters say Ocean County’s homeless will lack secure homes without Christ Episcopal Church’s proposed facility.

For now, the church property’s future is undetermined. A court struggle may ensue if the township revives its land acquisition plan. Meanwhile, the judgment highlights the rising conflict between local governments and religious groups wanting to extend their community outreach in New Jersey.

Sources:
Asbury Park Press
NJ Advance Media