For over a year, a pastor in Bryan, Ohio, has been in a legal battle with the city over his church, Dad's Place, which has been providing shelter to homeless individuals around the clock. Pastor Chris Avell was found guilty by a city judge of violating zoning and fire codes in a criminal case on Tuesday. Despite this conviction, Avell's attorneys have vowed to appeal the decision, as they had previously filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city of harassment and discrimination against the church and its members.
The city's main concern, according to Bryan Fire Chief Douglas Pool, is that Dad's Place lacks the necessary permits for people to sleep inside the building. While some code violations have been addressed, the church still does not have a permit allowing overnight stays, which would require costly improvements like fire sprinklers. Pool emphasized the city's obligation to enforce codes to prevent potential disasters.
Attorneys for Dad's Place argue that the church's actions are protected by the Constitution, citing federal laws that prohibit discrimination against religious institutions in zoning decisions. They claim that the city has unfairly targeted the church with surprise inspections, while other local shelters and hotels are not held to the same standards.
Despite the legal challenges, Dad's Place continues to provide shelter to those in need. With temperatures dropping, approximately 14 individuals sought refuge at the church this week. Bryan, a city of nearly 9,000 residents, faces housing challenges, with a shortage of available homes and apartments across all income levels.
As the legal battle unfolds, Avell remains committed to the church's mission of offering hope and transformation to those they serve. The judge has granted a 30-day stay on Avell's fine, allowing the shelter to operate while the appeal process continues.
Avell expressed his unwavering dedication to their cause, stating, 'Our calling and our mission hasn't changed throughout this process. We continue to do the work God has called us to do and trust Him with the outcome.'
