TOMS RIVER – Paul Hulse, founder and CEO of the Just Believe organization, stood before a gathering of well-wishers as he cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the organization’s new headquarters. With enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, Hulse recounted the inspiring journey that led to the momentous occasion.
“Four years ago, we started Just Believe with a hope and a dream,” said Hulse. “It was something I’ve always wanted – to help the homeless here in Ocean County.”
Hulse credited Pastor Paul Gifford as a significant inspiration in his mission, recounting their collaboration on the Code Blue program in the basement of a Toms River church. The organization has grown in a number of ways since its inception.
The establishment of a thrift store in a shopping center located at 734 NJ-37 in Toms River has proven to be multi-faceted in its impact. It not only generates funds for projects but also offers employment opportunities and valuable training. Just Believe has played a pivotal role in assisting individuals with back rent, securing motel accommodations, facilitating car repairs, and addressing cell phone needs, among other forms of support.
“It’s been such an amazing journey,” Hulse shared. “We’ve helped a lot of people here in Ocean County out of homelessness, guiding them through addiction problems, hard times, and mental health challenges. We think outside the box and provide holistic support.”
Proudly introducing his dedicated team, Hulse acknowledged the importance of each of them and started by explaining the work assumed by case managers. He emphasized that he considered them an extension of him in connecting individuals with vital services from agencies like the Ocean County Board of Social Services and Soldier On.
Between paid staff members and volunteers, 170 individuals work together towards combatting the issue of homelessness in Ocean County as part of Just Believe. While some workers are part of the intake team, others participate in an outreach program that equates to boots-on-the-ground assistance. A registered nurse is also on staff.
During the colder season, staff members operate the Code Blue warming center at the Riverwood Park Recreation Center. Just Believe associates also play a critical role in meal preparation and distribution and in fulfilling basic clothing needs. Transportation services help those with no other way to get to medical facilities or other necessary appointments.
A tour of Just Believe’s new offices offered insight into services that can be provided on site. There is space for private intake interviews and meetings. Computers are available for people who would otherwise not have access to them and can be used for resume building, job searches, and housing applications. Groups with goals of helping the disenfranchised can also schedule time for gatherings in Just Believe’s conference room.
According to Hulse, the group’s partnership with other non-profit organizations has proven invaluable in their collective mission to attack the homelessness issue.
Michael Callahan, New Jersey State Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention was one of the dignitaries who came to the early morning ribbon cutting to support Just Believe’s new headquarters.
Hulse’s personal journey from addiction to sobriety fueled his commitment to helping others. “Eighteen years ago, I walked into a church as a drug addict, needing help,” he shared. “Today, I stand here, clean and sober, as the CEO of an organization that is thriving and helping people right here in Ocean County.”
(Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Over two decades ago, Hulse founded Beat the Street Inc. in Florida, extending its mission to New Jersey, where he partnered with Toms River Community Church to aid the homeless. A major accident in 2012 led to a journey of personal loss and recovery, eventually leading Hulse to reconnect with Valarie and Jeff Beckett from First Assembly of God church. Together, they rekindled Beat the Street’s vision, aiding people without homes and collaborating with organizations like Solutions to End Poverty Soon (STEPS) and Haven.
In the following years, the groups worked together to relocate fourteen at-risk individuals from Toms River’s outdoor encampments to a Lakewood hotel. Subsequently, warming centers were set up at local churches, as were two Code Blue centers.
In 2019, Just Believe Inc. was born, focusing on helping Ocean County’s disadvantaged communities.
“Our next stop is finishing Larry’s Home in southern Ocean County,” said Hulse. “It’s intended to be a sober living home for vets. I grew up with Larry Robertello in Waretown. He was an Army vet who suffered from PTSD and died from an overdose. I wish I could have been there to help him get more help.”
“We are building Larry’s Home in honor not only of the great friendship he shared with so many in our community,” Hulse continued. “But also, in appreciation for his service to our country.”
While Hulse expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to run the Code Blue facility in Toms River for the last seven years, he emphasized the importance of moving to the next phase.
“We need to build a year-round transitional housing center to help the homeless 365 days a year,” said Hulse. “We are ready for the next steps to put things into motion. We need to move from talking about plans and receive help and support from the community to make it happen now.”
Just Believe’s new headquarters is located at 200 Corporate Circle in Toms River and is open Monday through Friday, from 10 am until 4 pm. More information about Just Believe is available at justbelieveinc.org. Their phone number is 732 279-6157.
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