Toms River, New Jersey, zoning board rejects Episcopal church’s request to operate homeless shelter

On June 12, the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a variance that would have allowed Christ Episcopal Church to operate a 17-bed overnight homeless shelter on its campus. The board voted 5-2 against the request. The project required a variance because homeless shelters are not permitted in the residential zone where the church sits. The board heard testimony over eight months before deciding.

The proposed program would have housed 13 men and four women nightly, offering a plain act of hospitality to neighbors without a place to stay (Matthew 25:35). Ocean County had promised $12 million in funding for the shelter and program, according to one report. During closing argument, the church’s attorney, Harvey York, urged the board to recognize that homeless people are human beings who need help. “All we are asking to do is make sure 17 people have a place to stay,” he said.

Objectors included neighborhood residents and representatives of Toms River Country Club, which backs up to the church property. Attorney Edward Bezdecki, who represented one objector, described homeless people in the area as dangerous. He also accused the church of relying on the homeless to make their bottom line, referring to the county funding. These were the objectors’ claims and were presented as their position in the hearing.

Board member Nels Luthman said he would have approved the variance, noting that the town’s zoning structure does not allow such a shelter anywhere. Board chair Jason Crispin said the Christ Church site “is not adequate” and expressed concern about staffing and security.

Christ Church’s rector, Lisa Hoffman, said she was “not surprised but very disappointed” by the decision. New Jersey Bishop Sally French said she was also disappointed and hopes there is a way forward for the church’s ministries.

Reports differ on the next step. One report says the parish and the diocese are considering whether to appeal the decision to the Ocean County Superior Court. Another report says York stated that the decision will be appealed in court.