rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/stop-eminent-domain-criminalization-of-homelessness-in-toms-river?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-stop-eminent-domain-criminalization-of-homelessness-in-toms-river' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Housing Community Development Network of New Jersey https://actionnetwork.org/groups/housing-community-development-network-of-new-jersey https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg On April 29, 2025, Christ Episcopal Church learned their 11-acre downtown property was targeted for eminent domain by Toms River's mayor for a recreational center and community park. Despite community opposition, the ordinance passed its initial reading on April 30th. This action is unjust and in bad faith. The congregation is currently seeking permission to build a homeless shelter on their property, extending their 20+ ministries that serve Toms River's most vulnerable residents. If this eminent domain proceeds, the community will lose vital support services. In conjunction, The Tom's River Council introduced an ordinance on June 30th to ban people from taking shelter in the municipal parking garage, despite it not appearing on the published agenda online. This followed the unannounced removal of unhoused individuals' belongings on June 19th during a severe heat wave, while many were seeking help from local nonprofits. For 160 years, Christ Church has served Toms River through feeding programs, clothing drives, 12-step groups, and other essential ministries. Now they need our support. Sign our petition: Tell the mayor and township council that people matter more than pickleball courts. Eminent domain should never control a church's ministries and criminalizing homelessness is not the solution. The church is not for sale. People matter more than pickleball. Out of sight out of mind is not the answer. This request comes from the Clergy and Vestry of Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River, with support from the Bishop of New Jersey. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-eminent-domain-criminalization-of-homelessness-in-toms-river