Habcore Opened Emergency Housing Facility in Toms River
The conversion of the former Pelican Motel provides 25 units for unhoused individuals seeking local stability.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Employment
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Habcore has opened a new emergency housing facility at the former Pelican Motel site on Route 37 in Toms River. The site provides 25 housing units to help address housing instability in the region.
Why it matters
The facility was established to assist unhoused individuals and families move toward independence, offering them a secure base while they seek permanent, affordable housing.
The project was funded by a $2.5 million mortgage alongside a $250,000 donation from the JBJ Soul Foundation. Emergency stays are capped at 12 weeks, with potential for extensions.
The players
Habcore
A Red Bank-based nonprofit organization that develops housing and support services for vulnerable populations.
JBJ Soul Foundation
A philanthropic organization that provides financial support for community-based housing and anti-hunger initiatives.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The federal agency responsible for national housing policy, oversight, and homelessness data tracking.
The details
Habcore purchased the motel property and completed extensive renovations including new flooring, furniture, lighting, windows, and paint. Residents in the 25 units have access to on-site support services and must commit to working toward long-term housing stability during their stay.
Timeline
January 2026: HUD recorded 600 unhoused individuals in Ocean County.
October 12, 2026: The facility officially opened for residents.
12 weeks: The maximum duration allowed for an emergency housing stay.
Market Landscape
The opening follows the January HUD point-in-time count, which identified 600 unhoused people in Ocean County. This development marks an effort to alleviate local housing pressure through private-nonprofit partnerships.
Operators should monitor local housing stability trends as they influence the regional workforce and community demand. Businesses may evaluate how such support services impact local economic participation rates in the coming months.
The takeaway
The facility emphasizes the need for temporary supportive infrastructure to help individuals achieve housing stability. Business owners should track the 12-week stay cycle to understand shifts in the local service-sector labor pool.
Further reading
For broader context on regional labor and resource initiatives, see Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Jersey 101.5.
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