The slowing economy is forcing more residents to turn to the Ocean County Board of Social Services for assistance, county Freeholder Gerry P. Little said.
“We’re seeing a marked increase in caseloads when compared to recent years,” Little said this week. “We recognize these are difficult times and stand ready to help families in need. Our hard-working families are struggling with higher food prices at the supermarket and higher gas prices at the pump, all while the county is seeing increasing home foreclosure rates.”
Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said the county’s 2008 budget includes a $1 million increase for social services programs.
“We’re spending $18 million, compared with $17 million last year to fulfill our responsibility to those who need a little extra help,” Vicari said.
Figures for 2007 show families needing general assistance from the Board of Social Services jumped by 30 percent when compared to 2006. Likewise, food stamp requests increased by 25 percent and family care was up by 17 percent.
“The economy is tough and we realize that people are paying more for just about everything,” Little said. “The Board of Freeholders remains committed to helping our most vulnerable residents.” Overall, according to a press release, the freeholders have earmarked between $50 million and $60 million for more than 60 county programs through the Board of Social Services, the Human Services Department, the Health Department, Transportation Department, Senior Services and the Veterans Service Bureau, Little said.
Programs include mobile food pantries, food stamps, work force training, rental assistance, first-time homebuyers assistance, emergency shelters, Medicaid, general assistance, elder care and health care for families hit by the economic downturn.
“We’re combining state and federal money with county funding to provide these services to more than 80,000 Ocean County families who are struggling with their finances,” Little said.
Vicari said county programs that emphasize job training are crucial to help families in the long term.
“While our Board of Social Services can help residents needing short-term or emergency assistance, the key to really helping our low-income residents is job training,” he said.
A number of educational and training programs are available through Ocean County College and the Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools.