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Politics & Government

Recession causes dramatic spike in social services

Freeholder reports 122 percent increase in food stamps, 2007-2009

More and more people are turning to services provided by Ocean County's Board of Social Services and Department of Human Services for help during the recession, according to Freeholder Gerry P. Little.

Programs they offer "are increasingly seen as a financial lifeline for many families,'' Little said.

In 2007,  the number of people turning to the county for help has more than doubled in some programs,he said. "It's important our residents know they have a place to turn in these difficult times,'' he explained.

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 More than $500 million in federal and state funds, and $19 million from  pay for 70 programs to help the needy, he said.

The number of families seeking temporary assistance jumped from 753 to 1,198 families between 2007 and 2009. The staff saw 113,052 people seeking help last year, and is on a pace to set a new record this year.

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Every night, many homeless people are in shelters provided through a variety of programs.

The number of people getting food stamps increased 122 percent since 2007, to 16,580 between 2007 and 2009.

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