Ocean & Burlington Counties Sending Homeless To Atlantic County

Atlantic County Executive has written a letter to Commissioner Sarah Adelman from the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

I have obtained a copy of the letter from a confidential source. It is published here later in this article.

Levinson outlines in his letter that both Ocean County & Burlington County are sending homeless persons to Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Levinson writes it like this:

It has come to our attention that both Ocean and Burlington counties are housing and providing services for their homeless in Atlantic County. The obvious reason for this occurrence is that several motel owners are willing to provide shelter for homeless persons. The less obvious rationale is that Ocean County does not have the use of motels and/or a shelter within its borders to house its homeless, wrote Levinson.

Further, Levinson wrote that, “Atlantic County is fully aware that individuals have the right to live where they desire and feel comfortable, regardless of their present disposition, but counties should be planning and caring for their residents within their borders. Let's not forget that counties are required to follow Work First New Jersey regulations that specifically address individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Levinson.

Atlantic County, New Jersey has long been considered highly competent and efficient in administering the various social services throughout society.

There has long been a state-wide effort to purchase one-way bus tickets for person(s) to Atlantic City-Atlantic County … instructed to sign-up for social services and benefits here.

Levinson also outlines to Adelman that Atlantic County is always dealing with a significant number under served persons and the strain to the various services and benefits that they need.

Here is the Levinson letter to Adelman in its entirety: