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Politics & Government

County Offers Cars to Those In Need

Program meant to facilitate people getting to work

The lack of transportation that sometimes keeps people getting public assistance from taking jobs in Ocean County is a hurdle county officials have been working to eliminate for 9 years, according to Freeholder Gerry P. Little.

Cars donated by public agencies or private citizens and a $71,630 grant from the state Department of Human Services combine to provide vehicles so people can get to work. The program also helps pay for insurance and repairs.

"In some instances the largest obstacle standing between someone and an opportunity for employment is a ride," Little said.

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This year 11 of the donated vehicles were have been distributed by the county’s Department of Human Services and 34 others were repaired.

Those in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program are eligible for the program. To quality, they must be in the Workfirst New Jersey program that provides job traning, or have entered with work force by lack transportation.

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Little said the cars are old, high mileage models, including some that have been donated by the county. St Francis Center in Brant Beach on Long Beach Island operates the Auto Ownership Program that relies on donated vehicles. For information call Elizabeth Silk at 609-494-8813, Ext. 190.

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