St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Toms River, N.J. (Photo: St. Joseph’s Church)
Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick said he is in support of a plan that would provide temporary housing to displaced women and children through the Interfaith Hospitality Network. The home in question, on Lexington Avenue, has been used as a base of operations for the organization for years and has already been operating as a place of transitional housing. Owned by St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, it was unclear as to why – now – the matter has suddenly come before the township’s zoning board given the 29 years it has already existed, however attorney Harvey York said in filings with the township that new laws require sprinklers to be added in order to comply with state building codes. The township had never cited the building for any violations, however, nor had it ever lodged any zoning complaints, according to a search of public records.
The application to continue to provide shelter at the Lexington Avenue location contrasts with a plan by Christ Episcopal Church last year to open a general homeless shelter at its property bordering a residential neighborhood. That plan, which was deeply opposed by neighbors, was shot down by the planning board. Rodrick, at one point, proposed using eminent domain to acquire the property for a new park, which generated significant controversy. The Christ Episcopal plan would have seen a shelter for homeless persons operate on its property off Washington Street, with church officials openly stating that homeless people could have walked from the township’s NJ Transit bus station to the residential neighborhood on a daily basis. The St. Joseph’s operation, on the other hand, is geared toward women and children who are displaced from their homes due to various circumstances and will serve as a place to stay while they get back on their feet and into permanent housing – often a consequence of domestic violence scenarios.
“This is about strengthening families and supporting our neighbors,” Rodrick said. “When we help those in need, we build a stronger, more caring Toms River.”
Homeless advocates from around the Shore area have packed Toms River council meetings in recent months to criticize decisions by the township to remove tent encampments from the township’s parking garage that were set up, unauthorized, by various anti-homelessness organizations. Rodrick has said his mayoral administration worked to place more than 70 homeless people in housing. Rodrick has stated that municipal taxpayers should not be responsible for locating housing for the entire county’s homeless population – especially in residential neighborhoods without the vetting of those who would be staying there.
A county-wide homeless shelter has long been sought by advocates, but has never materialized. Though there is no shelter in Ocean County, a building operated by the Ocean County Private Industry Council (PIC) has been used as a de facto shelter. An examination of police records showed the Ocean County PIC building experiences near-daily police calls concerning physical altercations or drug issues, while the St. Joseph’s facility has garnered only about two calls per year – mainly simple medical calls.
Rodrick, in a statement, highlighted the “small-scale nature of the program,” which serves no more than a few families at a time.
“Unlike other proposals that would have created large shelters — primarily for young men, most of whom are drug addicted and mentally ill — this approach ensures personalized, stable support in a family-like setting, helping women and children regain their footing before moving on to permanent housing,” he said. “For nearly three decades, this modest but vital effort has kept local mothers and children safe during their most vulnerable moments.”
Rodrick complemented St. Joseph’s pastor, Fr. G. Scott Shaffer, for his neighborly approach to the provision of housing.
“Father Scott’s dedication to service has made a real difference in Toms River,” he said. “His commitment, compassion, and steady leadership have improved countless lives in our community, and we are deeply thankful for his ongoing work.”
A hearing on the church’s application had been scheduled for this week, but was postponed due to flooding that occurred at the township municipal building due to burst pipes during the recent spate of cold weather. It has been rescheduled for March 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal complex. A photo of the home in question was not included in this story due to security concerns.
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