Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City has emerged as a significant issue for businesses operating in the area. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights and strategies to help businesses navigate this complex topic effectively.

Understanding the Issue

Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City is a temporary housing facility established to accommodate the growing population of homeless individuals in the municipality. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of homeless people in Lakewood has increased by over 50% in the past decade.

Year	Homeless Population
2013	1,200
2018	1,800
2023	2,000

Business Impact

Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City has significant implications for local businesses:

Impact	Concerns
Reduced customer traffic: The presence of the tent city can deter customers from patronizing businesses in the area.
Negative publicity: The tent city can generate negative publicity for the area, which can damage the reputation of businesses.
Increased crime: The tent city may attract an increase in crime, which can pose a risk to businesses and their employees.

Effective Strategies

Businesses can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City:

Strategy	Benefit
Enhance security: Implement additional security measures, such as increased lighting, surveillance cameras, and security guards.
Engage with community: Partner with local organizations to provide support to the homeless population and advocate for solutions.
Promote neighborhood revitalization: Support initiatives to improve the surrounding area and attract new businesses.

Success Stories

Success Story 1: The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce launched a "Clean and Safe" initiative that resulted in a 20% reduction in crime in the area surrounding the tent city.

Success Story 2: The Lakewood Police Department partnered with local social service agencies to provide housing and support services to over 100 individuals living in the tent city.

Success Story 3: The Lakewood Business Improvement District invested in street beautification and facade improvements, which increased customer traffic and property values in the area.

Conclusion

Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City presents challenges for businesses in the area. By understanding the issue, implementing effective strategies, and collaborating with the community, businesses can minimize the impact and create a positive environment for growth.

Lakewood, New Jersey's Tent City: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners