An Ohio preacher housing homeless people in their church known as “Dad’s Place” was charged twice by the city officials for some violations.
Charged For Housing The Homeless In Ohio
According to Faithwire’s report, city officials in Ohio charged Pastor Chris Avell and Dad’s church for violating zoning laws last year. The issue sparked after authorities discovered that the preacher was housing homeless people in his church.
Religious Liberty Attorney Ryan Gardner pleaded the pastor’s case. He disputed the unacceptable injustice that the church had to face even when they meant good and betterment for the city. Apparently, homeless people would often come to Dad’s Place for shelter. This was because the church wouldn’t hesitate to open its doors 24 hours a day, every day for these less fortunate.
Although a seemingly noble act because of how the church is helping the homeless, some city officials weren’t pleased with it. As a result, they charged Pastor Chris and the church. But later on, both parties thankfully arrived to a resolution. However, something happened again.
Charged Again This Year
On April 24 this year, authorities knocked into Dad’s Place at 5:30 in the morning for a surprise fire inspection. And once again, they charged the church with a new violation asserting that the building doesn’t have fire sprinklers. Therefore, they demanded the building to install them.
It greatly surprised Attorney Ryan because they have been inspecting the church six or seven times now. But then, each time, there weren’t any complaints. And “never once did they mention sprinklers.”
Thus, the attorney concluded that the city might have an ulterior motive against the church.
“..It’s clear that no matter what the church does,” he claimed. “No matter what changes it makes, the city is always going to find something new to do.”
The Mayor’s Explanation
But on the other hand, the city officials argued that they never wanted to charge the church in the first place. They said they had to enforce the law for security reasons in the neighborhood. Some concerned residents nearby reported on “alleged troubling activities and individuals” staying at Dad’s Place.
Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade explained in her statement that they were never against the church. She argued that they just wanted to ensure the safety of the people surrounding the area.
Reference | Faithwire
Header Image: Matthew Bornhorst. (Photographer). (2020). Ohio, Retrieved May 13, 2024 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/text-LbMrK7wfm_o
