Absecon Officials Reject Outsourcing Homelessness from Neighboring Towns

ABSECON, New Jersey — Absecon city leaders are firmly opposing other towns sending homeless people to their community. Last week, Toms River gave 24 hours’ notice to people staying in a municipal parking garage to clear out. Social media claimed some were sent 44 miles south to Absecon, sparking outrage from residents and officials. Councilman Rick DeRose said Absecon will not allow other towns to push their homeless population onto them. Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick denied sending anyone from the parking garage to Absecon. He noted a small group of seniors with pets were temporarily placed in Absecon last November.
For years, officials have criticized “Greyhound therapy,” where some Ocean County towns bus homeless individuals to Atlantic City. This strains services in Atlantic County. Atlantic County’s homeless population exceeds 400, more than double some neighboring counties. Atlantic City aims to cut that number by 20 percent this year and appointed a homelessness coordinator. Absecon passed a 2023 ordinance limiting motel stays for homeless people to 14 days within 30 days. The city also formed a homelessness task force with officials and community members to expand services and find solutions. Mayor Tommy Marrone said Absecon will invest resources to tackle homelessness locally. He urged other towns to address the issue closer to home.