Habcore Opened New Emergency Housing in Toms River

The former Pelican Motel on Route 37 has been transformed into a 25-unit emergency housing facility for local residents.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Employment

Habcore Opened New Emergency Housing in Toms River

Live Poll

Should your local community prioritize funding and support for new emergency housing facilities?

Habcore has officially opened a new emergency housing facility in Toms River at the site of the former Pelican Motel. The project provides 25 housing units to help individuals and families work toward long-term stability.

Why it matters

The facility addresses a significant need in the community as local housing instability continues to affect many residents. The center aims to provide a stable base for families to secure permanent affordable housing.

Habcore secured a $2.5 million mortgage to purchase the property and received a $250,000 donation from the JBJ Soul Foundation for renovations. Stays are limited to 12 weeks with the possibility of extensions.

The players

Habcore

Established in 1988, this organization is headquartered in Red Bank and focuses on providing housing solutions.

JBJ Soul Foundation

This philanthropic organization provided a $250,000 donation to assist with necessary repairs for the facility.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

This federal agency conducts point-in-time counts to track homelessness data across the country.

The details

Renovations to the Route 37 property included installing new furniture, flooring, windows, paint, and lighting. The facility is pet-friendly and includes on-site support services to assist residents in their transition to independent living.

January 2026: HUD recorded 600 unhoused people in Ocean County.
October 12, 2026: The facility officially opened in Toms River.
12 weeks: The maximum duration allowed for an emergency housing stay.

Macro View

The project follows the precedent of community-led revitalization efforts that utilize federal homelessness data to target regional housing shortages. This shift mirrors broader trends where local organizations repurpose existing infrastructure to meet urgent residential needs.

This facility offers immediate housing support for local individuals and families currently facing homelessness in Ocean County. Residents must commit to working toward housing stability to utilize the services provided at the site.

The takeaway

This project highlights the impact of private-public funding in tackling local housing crises. Residents interested in long-term housing solutions are encouraged to prioritize stability goals during their stay to maximize the support services available.