St. Joseph’s Church Shelter Plan Approved for Homeless Families in Toms River

Toms River officials have approved a plan to operate a six-bedroom house owned by St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church as a shelter for homeless families. The property, located at 407 Lexington Avenue, is managed by Interfaith Family Services, an organization that serves Ocean County despite its name. While the building has been used to assist the homeless for many years, the recent approval allows families to stay for a longer period, a change that required review by the town’s Zoning Board.

Harvey York, an attorney representing the applicant, noted that the property began operating as a shelter in 1997. At that time, religious leaders from various denominations across the county provided housing for one week at a time, a duration that legally classified the residents as guests. To extend the length of stay, the facility required specific upgrades, including the installation of a sprinkler system, modifications to the back deck, and the addition of an air conditioning unit.

Mary Cranwell, director of Interfaith Family Services, stated that the building will be staffed around the clock by trained shelter employees. She reported that 82% of the clients interviewed by the organization live in Toms River. The shelter defines a family as at least one adult and a child, which may include a grandchild, and ensures that pregnant women are not turned away. With a maximum capacity of 14 people, each family is assigned its own bedroom.

The organization’s primary goal is to help these families secure permanent housing within three months, a timeline that Cranwell acknowledged is challenging due to the scarcity of truly affordable homes in the area. In a previous interview with The Toms River Times, Cranwell explained that a permanent location allows volunteers to reach clients who may lack reliable transportation, reducing the need for people in need to travel to find services.

Interfaith has housed more than 1,000 individuals over the years and reports a recidivism rate of less than 1%. During the public comment portion of the zoning meeting, resident Janet Laing inquired about screening procedures and how individuals connect with the organization. Cranwell explained that the intake process takes three to four hours and includes drug testing when necessary, with most residents being referred by other agencies.

The approval of this shelter reflects a community effort to provide stability and care for vulnerable families, echoing the biblical call to show mercy to those in distress as described in Matthew 25:35. By addressing the practical needs of housing and safety, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to neighbor-love and the dignity of those facing homelessness.

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