Politics & Government

Storm Damage Closes Social Services Building After Busiest Month Ever

Those who receive services being directed to Toms River, Lakewood offices

Coming off the busiest month in the Ocean County Social Services Department's history, the county has been forced to close its southern office in Manahawkin after a lightning strike hit the building during Tuesday's tornado.

The Haywood Road building houses the southern offices of the county's social services and health departments.

"The lightning started a fire in the roof," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, explaining the building suffered a trifecta of smoke, fire and water damage.

There is now a hole in the building's roof and all of the computers and other pieces of electronic equipment kept there have been destroyed, Little said. The 75 employees who worked at the two departments have been moved to offices in Toms River and Lakewood.

The closure couldn't have come at a busier time, county officials said. The office handled 11,000 walk-in clients alone in July, its busiest month ever.

"We are seeing record numbers of people who are seeking help," said Little. "There is no question that the closure of that southern facility is going to have an impact on the delivery of those services."

The services include the administration of general assistance programs, food stamps, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, as well as adult Medicaid family care from the health department.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics which were held at the building have also been postponed.

Clients who usually visit the Manahawkin office should call 732-349-1500 and speak to an operator for assistance, officials said. Those who participate in the WIC clinics can call 732-341-9700, extension 7411, or visit the health department's website at www.ochd.org for more information about those programs.


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