Ocean County to Transform Route 37 Motel Into Emergency Housing

For years, residents and advocates have called for a year-round emergency shelter in Ocean County to provide support for people experiencing homelessness.

That long-awaited need is now moving toward reality after nonprofit HABcore purchased the Pelican Inn and Suites on Route 37. The organization plans to transform the property into Ocean County's first emergency shelter, offering temporary housing for individuals and families while also allowing them to stay with their pets.

The sale of the property was announced by Newmark Real Estate, which represented the seller in the transaction.

HABcore announced Tuesday that it purchased the 25-unit motel on June 17 for $7 million. The property is currently being renovated and will provide year-round emergency housing for families and individuals in need of shelter. The facility will also accommodate residents with pets.

In addition to temporary housing, the shelter will offer supportive services designed to help residents transition into stable, permanent housing, according to HABcore officials.

"We're in the early phases of renovating the motel, which will become Ocean County's first emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and their pets," said Steve Heisman, president and CEO of HABcore, based in Red Bank.

Although an official opening date has not yet been announced, Heisman said the property has already been put to use. During the extreme heat emergency over the Fourth of July weekend, the motel provided shelter to 11 people, including a family, a woman who is a double amputee and her dog, and two brothers accompanied by their dog.

Officials said the woman and her dog had been staying in an encampment, while the two brothers and their dog had been living out of a vehicle before receiving shelter.

"We will continue operating on a very limited basis as a Code Red overflow location until the motel is fully prepared for occupancy and all necessary safety and operational procedures are in place," Heisman said.

He added that many people experiencing homelessness avoid traditional shelters because they are unable to bring their pets with them.

HABcore officials said creating a sense of stability is an essential part of helping people overcome homelessness.

The organization stated that its mission is to support individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness by helping them move from crisis situations toward stability, greater independence, and an improved quality of life.