Protesters Show Support for Tent City Homeless Camp Ahead of Hearing

About two dozen protesters marched outside the Ocean County Courthouse on Hooper Avenue, many holding signs that said "Speak for the Homeless" and "Save Tent City."

They were outside to make their voices heard before a hearing on the fate of the Tent City encampment before Superior Court Judge Joseph Foster on Friday afternoon. The encampment has triggered passionate responses on both sides of the issue and has been the subject of court review for more than a year.

Outside, some were residents of the Tent City homeless camp, others were from advocacy groups like HELP and Clergy for Workforce Housing.

"For me, it's a personal issue," said Marilyn Miller of Toms River. "As a child, I was almost homeless many times but for the grace of god."

Rosemary Bagwell, of Middletown, says there are not enough resources being focused on the issue of homelessness.

"In a rich country like America, there is no reason for this," she said. She questioned why the governor has not put aside more money to aid the homeless.

"He's doling out a lot of money," she said about Gov. Chris Christie's plan for post-Superstorm Sandy recovery funds. "There's no reason why something can't be done for the homeless."

Inside, a crowd packs the hallway outside the courtroom. Advocates for Tent City mingle elbow to elbow with members of the Orthodox Jewish community, many of whom want the camp shut down

"The message is not 'get lost,'" said Abe Rose. It's 'get help.' There are lots of resources. We're willing to work with them but they're not willing to be put up by the county shelters."