Homeless Advocates to Gather for a Memorial and Rally

Tent City in Lakewood makes the headlines but homeless advocates say it's just a fraction of the people who face a similar plight all over Ocean County.

Homeless advocate Larry Meegan, a member of Homelessness Ended Through Local Partners, also known as HELP, said Ocean County has a lot of homeless people in it. "My hometown of Jackson has people living in the woods, Toms River has people living in the woods. I'm told the same thing occurs in the southern portion of the county," he explained.

He also added that there are hidden homeless doubling up with friends and family. An inter-faith memorial and rally is being held in Lakewood this Saturday, December 21st in recognition of National Homeless Memorial & Rally Night.

"We're trying to bring awareness to the county and to show the homeless people that people do care in Ocean County." said Meegan.

According to HELP's press release, local religious leaders will be there to discuss how their organizations address homelessness and their commitment to social justice issues. However Meegan adds, "a lot of people who have been helping the poor all along, this is going to be an opportunity to show our support and also to introduce advocates."

The rally takes place at the Lakewood Town Center, located on Clifton Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets, starting at 7 p.m. They will also be collecting nonperishable food to donate to local food pantries in Lakewood.

The Key Club of Jackson Memorial High School will be preparing sandwiches for the event.