BARNEGAT – When Jeff’s Camp founder Marty Weber learned that the Barnegat Planning Board had greenlit construction of a storage facility a mile from his Route 72 property, he was furious. Both parcels sit within the Pinelands – and Weber had ambitions of using his land to house homeless veterans.
“Marty was fired up when they broke ground,” said Melissa Snock, who succeeded Weber as President and CEO of Jeff’s Camp. “He and Dan [Weber’s husband] went over there, and Marty did a video, showing his disdain for what happened.”
The land-clearing at 1490 West Bay Avenue marked a jarring contrast to the stagnant fate of the original intent for Jeff’s Camp – a veteran-focused initiative rooted in Weber’s personal story of love, loss, and service.
Zoning distinctions proved critical, however. And, while Weber’s property is close to the new storage units, there’s a difference. The proposal for Jeff’s Camp is in the area considered most restrictive by the Pinelands Commission regulations. It’s PF-zoned, which stands for Preserved Forest.
In October 2022, Jeff’s Camp announced a partnership with the ” Place of Dwelling” Design Team at Design-Matter /NJIT to develop a site plan. Jeff’s Camp later submitted a formal application, developed in collaboration with the NJIT team, but the Pinelands Commission rejected it during a preliminary hearing. The issue? Too many structures for the restrictive PF (Preserved Forest) zone.
A Promise Born Of Grief
Decades ago, Weber met Jeff Poissant while serving in the Army. The two built a life together in Barnegat, operating YoBuck Landscaping and eventually purchasing 36 acres set back deep in the Pinelands. An American flag still waves high over their ranch-style home.
Poissant passed away in 2017, and Weber never forgot the pain of what he believes was watching the VA’s delay in providing critical treatment. Weber’s grief turned to determination. He ran for Congress in 2020, hoping to champion veterans’ issues. Although he lost, a conversation with now-Senator Andy Kim sparked an alliance. Kim stood beside Weber in 2021 to help unveil plans for Jeff’s Camp.
The original concept was ambitious: a small village of tiny homes to shelter homeless veterans, a seven-bedroom sober living facility, and a commercial building with wraparound services – mental health, addiction recovery, and even a thrift store to support operations.
But reality hit hard.
Before Jeff’s Camp Help for Heroes formed as a nonprofit, Weber partnered with Paul Hulse, the CEO of Just Believe. The two even agreed to a 99 year deed restriction, ensuring that the property would always stay as Jeff’s Camp and help veterans in need in Ocean County.
The concept of building something for veterans gained substantial media attention. Weber was determined to bring in tiny homes. Although Just Believe never formally submitted an application to the Pinelands Commission, Hulse said he received clear feedback during preliminary conversations that a tiny homes concept wouldn’t be approved under the existing zoning.
Based on that, Hulse suggested pivoting to a single service building and arranged for a survey of the property to support the new plan. However, Weber dug his heels in about the tiny homes, and announced he was parting ways with Just Believe in 2021.
As a homeless advocate, Hulse has dedicated his life to helping those without shelter. The loss of friend who was a veteran and died of an overdose has made his quest personal. Last year, Just Believe broke ground on land donated to the organization. “Larry’s Home” in Little Egg Harbor is nearing completion and will offer four bedrooms in a sober, supportive environment.
After hearing that Weber intends to renew his efforts, Hulse offered his support.
“I haven’t talked to Marty since this all happened four years ago,” said Hulse. “I wish him great success – if he’s able to do something for the vets and make it happen, that’s awesome.”
From Tiny Homes To One Big Plan
Snock retired from the United States Army after 22 years of service and remains a civilian defense employee. She has taken a more pragmatic approach to how Jeff’s Camp can still help veterans within zoning limits. Her board, including attorney Gabe Franco began brainstorming alternatives.
The answer? One building. One purpose. Many services.
“Our board decided to raise funds for a single-service building,” Snock said. “A proper food pantry, gathering space, and offices where licensed professionals can provide support – mental health, addiction services, housing help.”
They envision basketball courts and recreation space too – nothing residential, just a place for veterans to gather and heal.
Snock confirmed the board is in talks to re-engage the NJIT design team originally brought in to develop site plans. “We want them to take our new vision and come back with a proposal we can submit to Barnegat Township and the Pinelands Commission,” she said.
One Backpack At A Time
While plans evolve, Jeff’s Camp hasn’t stayed idle.
Outreach efforts include the Wellness Backpack Program, which distributes personal care items – aspirin, shampoo, shaving kits, snacks – directly to veterans and unhoused individuals across Ocean County. “We keep backpacks in our cars,” said Snock. “If we see someone in need, we hand one out.”
A partnership with Operation Chillout in 2023 helped deliver 50 care kits overseas via “Always Supporting Our Military.”
Jeff Camp’s food pantry – currently operating out of two storage containers on Route 72 – remains active, though limited. Phone numbers on posted signs connect those in need to volunteers.
The nonprofit is also planning a free veterans picnic on October 11 (rain date October 12) to build camaraderie and share resources.
Franco said the board originally considered re-partnering with Operation Chillout to fill the services gap, but plans shifted after the passing of that group’s founder left a leadership vacuum.
“Now, the board’s focused on building something that can offer wraparound veteran services on-site,” Franco confirmed. “No homes, just one structure we hope the Pinelands Commission will approve.”
Whether through housing, hot meals, or a helping hand – every effort remains in honor of Jeff Poissant and the veterans who deserve better.
For more information about Jeff’s Camp or to support their mission, visit their Facebook page or call the numbers posted on their Route 72 signage.
