Stories From New Jersey Homeless Camp Going Before Judge

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) — A disabled nurse, veterans and a supermarket bagger fired for taking care of her dying boyfriend are among people telling their stories to a New Jersey judge who will decide the fate of the homeless camp where they've been living.

The judge will consider their testimony Friday as he decides whether to evict 80 or so residents of the camp near the Jersey shore. It's known as Tent City and has persisted despite complaints.

Among the reams of paperwork the judge will consider at the hearing are the stories of 16 of the residents. They explain how illness, the loss of a job or other factors led them to the camp. They all say they want to leave for better housing.

Lakewood and Ocean County want the township-owned camp closed.

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