Unhoused Veterans Find A New Home In Lacey Township

LACEY, NJ — Ocean County has the highest population of veterans in the state, with more than 30,000 residing here. Not all of them have a physical place to live - many veterans statewide and in the county face homelessness. But a new project aims to provide those who served with transitional housing and help them get back on their feet.

It's called Mount Zion, named for the sacred land in Jerusalem, and it's a collaboration between Lacey United Methodist Church and Forked River-based Vetwork.

And according to Vetwork, it's the only transitional housing offered to veterans in Ocean County.

So far, two veterans are already living at Mount Zion, located next to the church. And the people behind it hope to watch it grow.

It started with a conversation between Rev. Jonathan Campbell and church trustee Maddie Stapleton.

"I threw out the seed, she turned it into a garden," Campbell told Patch.

After reaching out to organizations for help, a partnership was formed between the church and Vetwork, and they got to work.

"We want to take them from wherever they're at right now and improve their situation because of who they are and what they did for the country," said Vetwork Assistant Director Joe Starkey.

While two rooms are occupied right now, Mount Zion has three more rooms available that they hope to see filled.

"The program seems to be working great so far," said Vetwork's director, Thomas Kiselow.

"These are lovely gentlemen, they just needed a hand," said Stapleton.

The community has also been a great help, as many have been very generous with donations, Campbell said.

The individual rooms are akin to a college dorm room. Of course, you have a bed and furniture. You also get a mini fridge and microwave, along with a coffee pot and some welcome treats. The rooms also have closets and private bathrooms.

But it's more than just a place for them to rest their heads. Mount Zion offers unhoused veterans a chance to get help with whatever they need. While they live there, they can utilize all of the services LUMC offers, like laundry, free lunches, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings and of course, religious services.

Its close proximity to the Vetwork building means that the veterans can take advantage of their many services, too. Among its offerings are a food bank, resume help, budgeting help and assistance with any paperwork.

The purpose is to bridge the gap and take them from being homeless to a more permanent situation, whether through Veterans Affairs or another program.

"Housing is the key to becoming more stable," Campbell said.

And Mount Zion hopes to not just support these veterans, but to help raise awareness about the situation many experience across the country.

It's an issue in the county, state and country, and "not enough people are talking about it," Campbell said.

"This is a great example of what can happen when organizations in the community join," said Kiselow.

If you want to help out Mount Zion or S.H.A.L.O.M., LUMC's homeless mission, a pancake dinner is being held for Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those who wish to attend should call the office at 609-693-5222. Tickets cost $10 per adult and $5 for children 10-and-under. Limited seating is available.

Visit Lacey United Methodist Church or Vetworkfor more information.