kh #152 06/25/08

OCEAN COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS IN HIGH DEMAND

TOMS RIVER – The economic downturn has significantly impacted the need for services aiding poor and needy families in Ocean County.

These services include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance, food stamps and Medicaid. This year, Ocean County has seen a 30 percent increase from last year in caseloads for general assistance. There has been a seven percent request increase for food stamps and a 17 percent increase in family care programs.

“Ocean County will continue to show compassion to our low-income families and single mothers who need our help,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to Ocean County Board of Social Services and Department of Human Services. “We are doing the best that we can to care for the increased number of families in need of social services.”

The Ocean County Board of Social Services determines eligibility for the programs. Last year, more than $341 million in federal, state and local funding was distributed in Ocean County to support these programs.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders has allocated a record $12 million this year to these programs; the rest is funded from state and federal government. Every County dollar that is in invested is matched by $22 in state and federal dollars.

“Ocean County is committed to serving all the families in need throughout our community,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “The sudden drop in the economy has impacted many families and we will do all that we can to help them.”

These programs, specifically TANF and General Assistance, prevent homelessness through payment of back rent, back mortgage, back utilities or rental subsidies for up to one year; provide payment for emergency shelter and food; or move persons into permanent housing through payment of security and utility deposits, vouchers for household furnishings and rental subsidies.


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