Addresses Growing Unhoused Ocean County Population
HABcore Inc., the Jersey Shore’s largest provider of permanent, supportive housing, announced the organization has purchased a 25-unit motel in Ocean County to serve as pet-friendly emergency housing for Ocean County residents who are experiencing homelessness.
HABcore bought the Pelican Inn and Suites, 3324 Route 37, Toms River, on June 17 for $7 million. The property, which is undergoing repairs, will provide emergency housing for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Guests will receive supportive services that will help them prepare for a place of their own.
“We are just at the beginning stages of refurbishing the motel, which will become Ocean County’s first emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness and their pets,” Steve Heisman, HABcore’s President and CEO, said, noting that many people experiencing homelessness choose to remain unsheltered if they cannot take their pets with them. “These companions are often their only physical and emotional comfort as they navigate the day-to-day stress of finding safe, affordable housing. Now people don’t have to make that terrible choice.”
HABcore held a soft opening with a few open rooms just in time for the Fourth of July heatwave. The first 11 guests included a family, a woman who is a double amputee and her dog, and two mature brothers and their dog. The woman had been living in an encampment while the brothers were living in a car.
“We will continue to operate on a very limited basis as a Code Red overflow facility until the motel is better suited for occupancy and all operational and safety measures are established,” Heisman said.
This Pelican project follows on the heels of partnerships with local nonprofits to address emergency shelter for families and transitional housing for domestic violence survivors.
HABcore acquired the former Harbor House, a youth shelter in Toms River, and then partnered with Family Promise of the Jersey Shore to operate the property as a licensed family emergency shelter. The property is called Family Promise of the Jersey Shore at HABcore Harbor. HABcore purchased a second property in Ocean County and partnered with 180 Turning Lives Around to operate 180 Turning Lives Around at HABcore Haven, which provides up to two years of transitional housing for domestic violence survivors.
HABcore was awarded a $7.5 million contract through the Ocean County Acquisition for Innovations to Address Homelessness initiative in June 2024. The grant and a mortgage were used to purchase the three sites. The nonprofit is currently seeking additional grants and funding to upgrade the security systems and facilities, purchase new linens and offer additional supportive services.
HABcore was awarded a $250,000 grant from the JBJ Soul Foundation to help with repair costs and is developing a partnership with Fulfill to create healthy meal options. Local veterinarians will help the agency create pet accommodations on the property, as well as pet safety and medical care protocols and services.
With 24/7/365 property oversight and supportive services, HABcore’s staff will work with guests to identify their needs, focused on eliminating the barriers to permanent housing, finding affordable housing, and linkages to services and supportive employment.
Who Are Unsheltered in Ocean County?
The 2025 Point in Time annual count identified at least 577 Ocean County residents as homeless, likely an undercount as it doesn’t include people who are couch surfing, doubling up or staying in unsafe situations because they have no place else to go. Homeless advocates have long anticipated a location near public transit that would provide the first steps toward housing stability and supportive services.