Toms River, New Jersey, is currently at the center of a heated debate over homelessness and community support, with Mayor Daniel Rodrick publicly criticizing rock star Jon Bon Jovi's charity initiative. The controversy revolves around the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant that opened a pop-up location inside the Ocean County Library earlier this year. Rodrick claims that the establishment has inadvertently transformed the library into a "day shelter and soup kitchen," attracting a growing homeless population to the area.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen, part of Bon Jovi's philanthropic efforts through the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, offers meals for a suggested price of $12. Diners can also volunteer their time in exchange for food or pay it forward for those unable to afford a meal. Despite the well-meaning intentions behind the initiative, Rodrick argues that the influx of homeless individuals poses safety concerns for families visiting the library.
"We don’t want to be ground zero for homelessness. We don’t want to be a dumping ground for the homeless problem in the state of New Jersey," Rodrick told Fox News. He expressed frustration that local and state officials have not adequately addressed the issue, stating, "Mothers shouldn’t have to walk through large gangs of intoxicated and mentally ill men with their children to borrow a book."
Since the JBJ Soul Kitchen opened in February, Rodrick claims there have been numerous calls to police and emergency services from the library, indicating an increase in disturbances. He believes that the restaurant's location has invited problems that the community is ill-equipped to handle. "He’s already operating something in the Silverton section of town. But this pop-up thing at the library was primarily geared toward making the library, the public library, ground zero for homelessness," Rodrick added, suggesting that the space is no longer suitable for families.
In response to the mayor's accusations, Rob Wood, Assistant General Manager of the JBJ Soul Kitchen, emphasized the establishment's mission to create a positive impact on the Toms River community. "Our goal is to provide a space where all are welcome to enjoy a nutritious meal and be part of a community where all are valued," he stated. The JBJ Soul Kitchen aims to connect individuals with resources and services, including employment and mental health support, to help them thrive.
Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione defended the JBJ Soul Kitchen, stating that she has not received any complaints about the establishment. She described it as a lifeline for those in need and clarified that it does not operate as a soup kitchen. "It’s a public library, and we are keeping the people safe," Bacchione told USA Today. She also noted that the intent behind placing the JBJ Soul Kitchen in the library was to provide additional food options for library patrons, courthouse workers, and students from nearby Toms River High School South.
Rodrick, however, remains skeptical about the county's handling of the situation. He believes that local nonprofits have been busing homeless individuals into Toms River, exacerbating the problem. "These agencies are making millions of dollars importing homeless. Their plan is not about compassion; it’s about people wanting to profit off the homeless issue," he asserted in an interview with the Shore News Network.
While the pop-up location is set to close at the end of May 2025, a decision on whether the JBJ Soul Kitchen will continue to operate at the library has not yet been made. The controversy has sparked discussions among local officials about potential measures to ensure the safety of library visitors while addressing the needs of the homeless population.
In a joint statement, Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi reaffirmed their commitment to ending homelessness through real solutions. "We are not here to just move people around or force them into the shadows. Our Foundation has built nearly a thousand units of affordable and supportive housing," they stated. They emphasized that the JBJ Soul Kitchen is designed to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to thriving, rather than merely surviving.
The situation in Toms River highlights the ongoing struggle to balance community support for those in need with the concerns of residents and local officials. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the JBJ Soul Kitchen's presence will evolve in the community and what measures will be implemented to address the complex issues surrounding homelessness in the area.
