Ocean County Church Helps Veterans Transition

FORKED RIVER – Over a decade ago, the United Methodist Church on West Lacey Road served a different faith. The rectory next door, once a home for Catholic priests, has found a new purpose. Today, the four upstairs bedrooms have been transformed into Mount Zion, a transitional housing program for local veterans.

Opened in January 2023, Mount Zion represents a joint effort between the Lacey United Methodist Church and Vetwork, now headquartered in the Lacey Food Bank. The repurposed space offers more than just a roof over veterans’ heads as they transition to civilian life. The name itself, Mount Zion, reflects a place of hope and renewal – a sanctuary for healing during a crucial time.

“The Church was going through a lot of struggles with COVID hitting us pretty badly,” said Maddie Stapleton of Lacey United Methodist Church. “We were struggling financially, and we had all these buildings that we weren’t using. When I took a look around, I realized there were bedrooms and asked if they could be used to help the homeless.”

Stapleton’s vision resonated with the church’s new minister, who proposed dedicating the rooms specifically to homeless veterans – individuals who served their country and were now in need.

This partnership has already proven successful. Thomas Kiselow, Executive Director of Vetwork, reports that nine veterans have benefitted from Mount Zion’s transitional housing. Most work with Community Hope, a nonprofit that helps veterans find permanent housing solutions.

Veterans transitioning into Mount Zion find themselves in somewhat familiar living quarters, akin to a dorm room or barracks, set up for single occupancy. A microwave and a coffeemaker are in each of the rooms with easy bathroom access.

The hallway upstairs with the bedrooms contains a bulletin board with useful information posted for convenience.

“When we first started, the kitchen was off bounds,” Stapleton shared. “Now, it’s open for use. There’s also a washer and dryer for the vets who stay here to do their laundry.”

Community donations play a crucial role in supporting Mount Zion’s operations. Recently, members of the Leisure Village West Veterans Club in Manchester visited the premises and presented a generous check to aid in covering costs. Additionally, Vetwork contributes funds to the church, covering utilities like water and electricity, with an additional allocation for air conditioning expenses during the hotter months.

A grant afforded by Kohl’s allowed for the purchase of several household items that will ultimately dress up the bedrooms and bathrooms to give them a more “homey” effect.

Accepted transitional residents at Mount Zion benefit from a flexible environment. There are no curfews, and entry is made convenient with a numbered code lock. However, strict policies are in place to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere: alcohol and drug use are prohibited, and smoking is restricted to designated areas.

Finding Refuge At Mount Zion

The screening process to stay at Mount Zion begins with an interview at Vetwork and includes contacting the Veterans Administration to verify discharge papers. Vetwork also runs background checks for criminal history and active warrants.

“We want to make sure we’re not putting anyone at risk or bringing in a bad element,” said Kiselow.

Mount Zion is intended as transitional housing with an initial stay of two weeks. Extensions may be granted based on necessity. Veterans who choose to come into the program often have varying needs.

“Sometimes they may just come to us because it’s the middle of winter and they need a warm place to stay for a week,” said Kiselow. “If they’re not looking for a permanent housing situation but need something temporary, we can accommodate that.”

“We’ve come across veterans living in a tent in the woods, content with that situation,” Kiselow continued. “They like being off the grid and off the radar, and they don’t want someone else telling them how to live their life.”

Church’s Mission

While Mount Zion’s living quarters are limited to veterans needing transitional housing, the Lacey United Methodist Church also helps others.

SHALOM for the Homeless (Showers – Hot Meals – Advocacy – Laundry – Outreach Ministry) serves approximately 30 people two times a week. Those without other resources have the opportunity to take a shower and do their laundry on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The church also provides breakfast and lunch two days a week, with food provided by local businesses and groups with leftovers. All donations are accepted according to government food safety guidelines.

“People can come and get a meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” said Monika Sisbarro, who together with her husband Fred are very active in the church. “We invite everybody to come and have lunch with us.”

Sisbarro emphasized the inclusive nature of their meals. “You wouldn’t be able to tell who’s struggling – living in their car, tent, or even a house. They come from all over because they like our company.”

The Hope Chest Food Pantry serves as a resource for those experiencing food insecurity, while the Joy of Angels Thrift Shoppe offers items at low costs and also supplements programs.

The church further assists the community with Code Blue accommodations during harsh weather. “Many who utilize the church during Code Blue are working individuals,” Sisbarro shared. “It’s really sad to see people willing to work who can’t afford a place to live.”

Those interested in transitional housing at Mount Zion can find information on Vetwork’s website or by calling (609) 971-7613. Information about other programs facilitated by the Lacey United Methodist Church can be obtained by calling (609) 693-5222.