Homeless face jail time or $2,000 fines in this big NJ town

Homeless face jail time or $2,000 fines in Toms River, NJ Rick Rickman Published: August 20, 2025 Homeless people at the Toms River public parking near the library face jail time or hefty fines if they don't leave (Google Maps/Canva)

🔴 Homeless people have been gathering at the Toms River library

🔴 Local officials warn the homeless that they will now be arrested

🔴 Advocates say that the arrests won't solve anything

TOMS RIVER — The seat of Ocean County is taking another controversial step in its battle against homelessness.

The Toms River council has passed an ordinance banning the homeless from sleeping or taking shelter in the public parking garage on Horner Street near the library.

Anyone caught camping out in the parking garage would be given a 24-hour warning.

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