Community Profile: Ocean County, NJ

Community Organizations

This section provides information about affordable housing, social service, economic development, and community revitalization organizations in the area whose interests, activities, and initiatives improve the housing conditions and employment opportunities of residents. These groups represent potential partners for bankers seeking to more fully address the credit needs of each region’s low- and moderate-income people and communities.

The information in this section is obtained directly from the websites of the community organizations.

Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County, NJ
Homes Now, Inc.
Lakewood Township Rental Assistance Program (LTRAP)
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity
O.C.E.A.N., Inc. (Ocean Community Economic Action Now)
The Salvation Army New Jersey Division
Temple Community Development Corp.

Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County, NJ

Mission

Habitat for Humanity is an interfaith ministry that works through partnerships to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness by building houses and renovating donated units. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build future Habitat houses.

Year of Origin

1995

Core Programs

Builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families.

Service Areas

Southern Ocean County, NJ

Contact Information

668 West Main Street (Route 9)
West Creek, NJ 08092
Phone: 609-978-9984
Fax: 609-978-9985
Website: http://www.hfhsoc.org/

Homes Now, Inc.

Mission

To provide affordable housing and services to municipalities in New Jersey.

Year of Origin

1997

Core Programs

Build, rehabilitate, finance, and monitor new and existing deed-restricted affordable housing in compliance with each municipality's certified COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) plan

Service Areas

Ocean County, NJ

Contact Information

Homes Now, Inc
2141 Route 88 East, Suite 4
Brick Township, NJ 08724
Phone: 732-295-7380
Fax: 732-295-7383
E-mail: info@homes-now.org
Website: http://www.homes-now.org/index.htm

Lakewood Township Rental Assistance Program (LTRAP)

Mission

The Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program (LTRAP) is a local housing program established for the purpose of providing quality affordable housing to eligible people with limited incomes, through a partnership of public and private resources.

Year of Origin

1972

Core Programs

Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 Homeownership Program (“Homerun™”)
Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Service Areas

Lakewood Township

Contact Information

Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program (LTRAP)
600 West Kennedy Boulevard
P.O. Box 856
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
Phone: 732-367-0660
Fax: 732-367-6645
Website: http://www.ltrap.org/

Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey

Mission

The mission of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey is to serve those in New Jersey who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices.

Year of Origin

1904

Core Programs

Affordable Family Housing: Apartments, town homes, and for-sale homes for family in need of affordable housing.
Affordable Senior Housing: Apartments for seniors in a variety of urban and suburban settings.
Senior Health Care: Residential, skilled nursing, and respite care provided in historic Moorestown.
Special Needs Housing: Housing for those with special needs, both physical and emotional, as well as transitional housing for women with dependent children.
Housing Development: Pursue housing development opportunities within the State of New Jersey.
Community Residential Services: Emergency children's shelter and housing for developmentally disabled women.
Community Outreach Services: Adoption options, assisted living program, community partnering, Lutheran disaster response, immigration and refugee services, Lutheran counseling service, speakers' bureau.

Service Area

New Jersey

Contact Information

Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
6 Terri Lane
Suite 300
Burlington, NJ 08016
Phone: 609-386-7171
Fax: 609-386-7191
Website: http://www.lsmnj.org/

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity

Mission

Habitat for Humanity is an interfaith ministry that works through partnerships to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness by building houses and renovating donated units.

Year of Origin

2000

Core Programs

Builds homes for families in need of simple, decent, affordable housing.
Works with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to help end poverty housing.

Service Areas

Bay Head Boro, Beachwood Boro, Berkeley Township, Brick Township, Dover Township, Island Heights Boro, Jackson Township, Lakehurst Boro, Lakewood Township, Lavalette Boro, Manchester Township, Mantoloking Boro, Ocean Gate Boro, Pine Beach Boro, Plumsted Township, Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach Boro, Seaside Heights Boro, Seaside Park Boro, South Toms River Boro

Contact Information

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
P.O. Box 1754
Toms River, NJ 08754
Phone: 732-818-9500
Fax: 732-818-9510
Website: http://nohfh.org/

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. (Ocean Community Economic Action Now)

Mission

To provide comprehensive services that improve the quality of life of individuals and families and assist them in moving toward self-sufficiency.

Year of Origin

Early 1960s

Core Programs

Affordable housing rentals and construction
Head Start child development program
O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Kids Child Care
Weatherization program
Home energy assistance
Housing and mortgage counseling
First-time home buyer program

Service Area

Ocean County

Contact Information

O.C.E.A.N., Inc.
40 Washington St.
P.O. Box 1029
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: 732-244-5333
Fax: 732-349-4227
E-mail: N/A
Website: http://www.oceaninc.org/

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division

Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Year of Origin

1878

Core Programs

Provides services to veterans and military personnel
Offers parenting and family life education
Distributes new and used clothing to needy families
Holds food in pantries to help meet emergency needs
Provides assistance for basic needs for those who are homeless

Service Area

There are 31 Corps Community Centers in New Jersey, including the Ocean County Citadel Corps.

Contact Information

The Salvation Army - Ocean County Corps
1738 Route 37 East
P.O. Box 1906
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: 732-270-8393
Fax: 732-270-8705
Website: http://www.newjerseysalvationarmy.org

Temple Community Development Corp.

Mission

To improve residents’ quality of life through education, economic development, and other revitalization strategies.

Year of Origin

N/A

Core Programs

S.T.E.P.S. (Steps Towards Employable Professionals Soon): an eight-module work preparedness program designed to enhance job market skills of individuals seeking employment, career change, and upward mobility.