What We Know So Far: The Pelican Inn Shelter Conversion
August 11, 2026
We're starting this site with a plain-facts summary of where things stand. As new information comes in, from public records, hearings, or reporting, we'll post updates and correct anything here that changes.
The property
The former Pelican Inn and Suites is a 25-unit motel at 3324 Route 37 East, Toms River (Block 852, Lot 32), roughly 2.1 acres, zoned HB (Highway Business). The parcel sits within a FEMA AE flood zone.
The purchase
The property sold on June 17, 2026 for $7 million to HABcore, a Red Bank-based nonprofit. The sale was brokered by Newmark Associates.
The plan
HABcore's stated plan is to convert the property into Ocean County's first year-round, pet-friendly emergency shelter for individuals and families. The site is already soft-operating as a "Code Red" weather-overflow location. It sheltered 11 people during the July 4, 2026 heat wave.
Reported funding sources include a $7.5 million Ocean County contract (awarded in 2024) and a $250,000 JBJ Soul Foundation repair grant. Partners named in coverage so far include Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, 180 Turning Lives Around, and Fulfill.
Local political context
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has publicly clashed with several homeless-services nonprofits, including Just Believe Inc. and Destiny's Bridge, and the township pursued eminent domain to try to block a church-run shelter proposal in 2025–2026. As of this writing, we haven't found any public statement from the Mayor's office specifically addressing the Pelican Inn / HABcore purchase.
Open questions we're tracking
- Whether the change of use (motel → shelter) requires a zoning board variance and site plan approval, or proceeds as a permitted use in the HB zone.
- Whether HABcore has filed anything with the Toms River Zoning or Planning Board. (We've submitted an OPRA request and will post what comes back.)
- Whether and when this comes before Township Council or the Zoning/Planning Board for a public hearing residents can attend and speak at.
If you have information on any of these, especially hearing dates or filings, please get in touch or post it in the forum.
Sources
- Route 37 Motel To Become Emergency Shelter (Patch)
- Red Bank Nonprofit HABCORE Pays $7M For Pelican Motel (WOBM)
- Ocean County to Transform Route 37 Motel Into Emergency Housing (TomsRiver.org)
- HABcore Opens First Ocean County Pet-Friendly Emergency Housing (HABcore.org)
- Former Pelican Motel Sells for $7 Million (Newmark Associates)
- Toms River Mayor Weighs Legal Action Vs. Nonprofits Over Homeless (Patch)
- Eminent Domain Takeover Planned For Toms River Church (Patch)
- 3324 Route 37 E Property Record (njparcels.com)
- Toms River Township Zoning
- Toms River Township Planning Board