Our
Programs
Residential Support: The SHORE House
(Ages 16–21)
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Six bedrooms, two story home serving up to 12 youth
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Safe, structured housing with individualized case management and life skills support
Intensive Street Outreach and Wellness Support​​​​
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Engagement with youth experiencing housing instability in the community
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Connection to basic needs, mental health supports, and pathway services
After Care Supportive Services
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Ongoing guidance for youth transitioning out of residential placement
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Continued engagement shown to strengthen employment retention and long-term housing stability
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Drop In and Day Services​
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Accessible case management for non-residential youth
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Resource navigation, referrals, and consistent support
Ocean’s Community College Life Success Program​
The Life Success Program utilizes a Promising Practice model informed by established workforce readiness frameworks, Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles, and trauma-responsive, healing-centered education practices. The curriculum is designed to address the cognitive, emotional, and executive-function challenges commonly experienced by youth with histories of trauma, homelessness, and neurodiversity.
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Financial Literacy budgeting, banking, credit awareness, and income management
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Workforce Development job readiness, resume building, interviews, and workplace expectations
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Housing and Leasing Readiness understanding leases, tenant responsibilities, and sustaining stable housing.
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Civic Engagement leadership, accountability, and community connection
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
