OUR PROGRAM
Supervised Transitional Living Program
Homeless teens and youth ages 16-21 reside in the 12-bed, 24/7/365 Supervised Transitional Living Program called The SHORE House. Safety is a basic need, foundational for all other programs in a youth person’s life. The SHORE House provides youth with a stable, safe, clean healthy living environment. In addition to the physical safety and independent spaces afforded by our facility, we provide a place of emotional safety for teens and young adults who cannot live safely with a parent, legal guardian, or relative, or in a foster home situation, and have no safe alternative living arrangement. We do this regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion/spirituality, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical or cognitive ability, language, beliefs, values, behavior patterns, or customs.
The Need
Despite our efforts, the rising costs of housing, mental health services, and essential program resources have outpaced available supplemental funding, creating a critical gap that threatens our ability to meet the growing demand. This campaign seeks to bridge that gap, ensuring we can continue providing life-changing support to every youth in need.
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Of these, 45% experienced mental health issues, food insecurity, and chronic health conditions.
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Nationally, homelessness has increased by 25% since the pandemic, with youth homelessness following the same trajectory.
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Between 2023 and 2024, the largest percentage increases among homelessness were among children and young adults.
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In Ocean County, the total number of homeless for 2024 is 556, including 35 aged 18–22. This is up from 434, reflecting a 24% increase from 2023.
The Response
Ocean’s Harbor House operates a six-bedroom, two-story home that houses up to 12 youths aged 16 – 22.
The program includes:
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Life skills training and sustainable employment support
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Positive housing placements to prevent returns to homelessness (98% success rate in providing permanent supportive housing)
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Educational services, including coordination with local high schools and GED support
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Counseling and case management to heal emotional trauma, address family issues, and foster healthy relationships
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Pathways to college opportunities
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Harm-reduction and educational resources to help prevent crises reoccurrence
