Partnerships with Homes Now and HABcore expand housing and support for survivors and their families

BRICK, N.J. — 180 Turning Lives Around has expanded into Ocean County through two transitional housing partnerships in Brick, providing survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse with safe housing and support as they rebuild their lives.

The expansion includes Harbour Light, a 17-unit transitional housing center for survivors of domestic violence and their families, and 180 Turning Lives Around at HABcore Haven, which provides up to two years of transitional housing for women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, or stalking. Together, the programs currently serve 39 adults and children.

Harbour Light operates in the former Dottie's House, a transitional housing facility founded in 2000 by Carol Wolf. The affordable housing nonprofit Homes Now, Inc., which developed and owns the facility, partnered with Dottie’s House, Inc., to provide transitional housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence. Following the dissolution of Dottie’s House in October 2025, Homes Now, Inc. named the facility Harbour Light, symbolizing a beacon of hope and safety for individuals and families seeking affordable housing and support as they rebuild their lives free from violence.

Committed to preserving the facility’s mission and ensuring continuity of care, Homes Now, Inc. reached out to 180 Turning Lives Around to explore a collaboration that would allow 180 to operate the domestic violence program and provide case management and other essential supportive services. At the time of Dottie’s House’s dissolution, eight families remained in the facility. Homes Now, Inc.’s priority was to ensure these families could remain in safe, stable housing without interruption to the services they needed, while continuing to make the remaining units available to families in need of safe housing and domestic violence support. Through the collaboration between Homes Now, Inc. and 180 Turning Lives Around, Harbour Light provides survivors of domestic violence and their children with safe housing, compassionate support, and the resources needed to build secure, independent futures free from violence.

“These families had already experienced the disruption that domestic violence can cause,” said Liz Graham, CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around. “We did not want them to lose their homes or have to start over again. At 180, our work is focused on helping survivors and their families find

safety, stability, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives. By providing safe housing and connecting families with support services, they can navigate this transition, maintain their independence, and build a secure future.”

“I would like the community to understand that housing and services cannot be separated when we are talking about survivors of domestic violence. A safe apartment is incredibly important, but housing alone does not necessarily address the trauma, financial challenges, safety concerns, and other barriers a survivor may be facing. That is why this partnership matters,” said Christine Hoffman, Executive Director of Homes Now Inc., “Homes Now, Inc. provides affordable housing and long-term stewardship of Harbour Light, while 180 Turning Lives Around provides the specialized services survivors need to heal, rebuild, and move toward independence.”

The expansion also includes 180 Turning Lives Around at HABcore Haven, established in partnership with HABcore, a nonprofit providing supportive housing to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. HABcore acquired the property, consisting of two neighboring homes in Brick with a combined 10 bedrooms, and partnered with 180 to operate the program.

"HABcore works across the spectrum of affordable, supportive, and emergency housing services, partnering with nonprofits whose expertise complements our own to address community needs. Through our partnership with 180 Turning Lives Around, safe, secure housing is provided for individuals and their families seeking safety from domestic violence, while 180's staff deliver the specialized, trauma-informed care essential to helping survivors move forward with their lives," said HABcore President & CEO Steve Heisman.

The expansion comes as 180 marks 50 years of serving survivors and builds on its longstanding approach to providing support beyond an immediate crisis. Transitional housing gives survivors the time and resources to address barriers involving employment, finances, and permanent housing as they work toward independence.

About 180 Turning Lives Around

180 Turning Lives Around empowers survivors and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumas. We help survivors of all ages find the strength to heal, rebuild, and turn their lives around. Our programs include safe housing, counseling, advocacy, and 24/7 helplines designed to support survivors on every step of their healing journey. To learn more, visit https://180nj.org.