Homeless Persons Memorial Ceremony Set For Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Winter Solstice brings the longest night of the year. While that may be an inconvenience to some, as the sun sets early and the darkness lasts, for the homeless, it is a long night of trying to stay warm.

Winter Solstice has been chosen by groups trying to assist the homeless as Homeless Persons Memorial Day, to highlight the struggles and remember those homeless residents and formerly homeless who have died.

A ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Riverwood Park in Toms River, aiming to honor those who have died and bring people together to help the homeless in Ocean County. It comes as temperatures are plunging ahead of a winter storm that will make the longest night even longer.

There will be a tree lighting, and there will be an information exchange for those needing assistance or those looking to help people in need.

People who are without permanent housing, particularly long-term, have a much lower life expectancy of about 50 years old, nearly 30 years fewer than those who always have had homes, according studies cited by the National Coalition for the Homeless.

The memorial service Wednesday night is open to the public. People who would like to make donations to assist the homeless in Ocean County are invited to bring them to Riverwood Park.

Items that are needed are:

• Gift cards (Wawa, 7-11, Walmart, Uber, Lyft)
• Nonperishable food (protein bars, pop top lids)
• Cold Weather Apparel
• Blankets
• Toiletries