Just Believe: Home for veterans overcoming addiction getting started in Ocean County
Tom DeFalcon has built plenty of homes as a project manager with Ocean Township-based Elite Construction Services.
But none quite like Larry’s Home.
After years of planning, the concept of having a transitional home in Little Egg Harbor for male veterans trying to overcome addiction finally has a general contractor. Elite Construction Services signed on for the job with Paul Hulse, whose nonprofit Just Believe Inc. advocates for Ocean County’s homeless and at-risk population.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” DeFalcon said. “I hope he can do a thousand more.”
Just Believe in action: From drug addicted and living under the boardwalk to managing Toms River homeless shelter
The initiative is personal for Hulse, who named it Larry’s Home in honor of his childhood friend Larry Robertello, a Southern Regional High School graduate who drove tanks in the Army for two tours of Iraq from 2001-04 and was awarded two medals for meritorious service.
Upon returning to the U.S., Larry suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, which led to drug addiction and, after three attempts at rehab, an overdose death in April 2022.
Larry’s Home will be a four-bedroom ranch on a donated plot of currently wooded land. It will house up to six men for 12-month periods. They will have volunteer life coaches, be required to attend recovery meetings and receive help in pursuing employment. It would be the first place of its kind in Ocean County.
Between grants, sponsorships and donations, Just Believe has raised about $100,000 of the necessary $350,000 to get it off the ground, Hulse said.
“It’s been a challenging adventure so far, finding the right builders, finding the right price,” Hulse said.
No permanent shelter: Ocean County commissioners reiterate position: We’re not building a homeless shelter
The goal is to begin construction in May or June and have the doors open before next winter. Hulse is working with local VFWs and Ma Deuce Deuce, a Toms River-based charity, on potential referrals.
A couple from Berkeley donated a well and septic service, valued at $10,000. Free or deeply discounted services also are being provided by a roofer, electrician and painter.
“Paul has some very good connections,” said DeFalcon, whose father and grandfather served in the Air Force. “A lot of great people are willing to help on this.”
Just Believe Inc. has a dedicated core of volunteers who help run Toms River’s Code Blue program, which houses the area’s homeless on the coldest nights. There is no shortage do-gooders eager to help the contractors, and that’s something Hulse has emphasized in picking out building partners.
“We want to make sure that everybody can say, ‘I hammered a nail into that project,’” Hulse said.
Bug bites and lonely nights: How 17 people live hidden deep in the Toms River woods
There is much fundraising ahead before the doors open — a pizza and pasta night at Maruca’s Pizza in Seaside Heights is taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday — but Larry’s Home is now a big step closer to becoming a reality.
“I’m 44 years old and I don’t even own my own home yet,” Hulse said. “But to build a house for other people, that’s pretty cool.”
For more information or to donate, visit www.justbelieveinc.org. Donations for Larry's Home also can be mailed to Just Believe Inc at P.O Box 5441, Toms River, NJ, 08754.
Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Just Believe building Ocean County home for veterans fighting addiction
