Recent Eviction Sheds Light on Toms River’s Homeless [AUDIO]

No matter how compassionate the approach, efforts to help the homeless evicted from two privately-owned lots in Toms River last week were largely ineffective, according to homeless Minister Brother Mike Williams of Bayville-based More-to-Life Ministry and Outreach.

Williams says he personally knows of six individuals who received assistance from Ocean County Social Services. However, there were about 15 moved from two sites.

Williams says one of the camps, where ten people lived, was located near the corner of Routes 166 and 37 behind the McDonald's and Party Lane Complex. He says the second and smaller camp, where five people lived, was located near Water Street adjacent to the Toms River Bus Station.

He says he was present at the largest camp when Toms River Police Chief Mike Mastronardy, Police Officers, Social Service and Mental Health Officials converged on the camp to move the homeless and to offer them help last week but he says the majority have scattered elsewhere through out the Township.

Brother Mike says he believes the homeless need more intense, more hands-on intervention than what's being offered now. "You know, I think we just need to really do less talking and do more doing. If just one person invested themselves in the lives of another person, I feel like we can all make a real big difference."

A Conversation With Brother Mike

When asked about calls for a shelter. Williams says it's not a bad thing to open up a place where people can get their lives restored. He says it all shouldn't be on the shoulders of Social Services. "Lets get a place where compassionate people can get together and show that our community cares about one another and we take care of one another. You know, the needs are out there. We have the resources. Let's get it done. We can do it together."

However, Brother Mike doesn't see the central facility as just a shelter. He see's it as a place where the homeless can live but also offers a host of services in one spot.

When asked about his efforts to help the homeless and whether he was essentially helping people stay in their situation, Williams says they walk a delicate line. He says "I'm here to assist people when they want to change their lives. You know, I'm not trying to keep people in the woods."

The Patch of Toms River contributed to this story.