Ohio Church Wins Homeless Ministry Legal Battle With City

The decision marks a major development in a dispute that has included inspections, criminal charges, and injunction efforts spanning nearly three years.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church, Bryan, Ohio, was told by a judge the city cannot use code enforcement to prevent the group’s 24/7 ministry to the homeless. Courtesy of First Liberty Institute

A Bryan, Ohio, church may continue its 24-hour homeless ministry after a legal battle over fire code enforcement, a judge ruled on April 1.

Judge James D. Bates of the Williams County Court of Common Pleas dismissed the city’s lawsuit against Dad’s Place church with prejudice, ending civil proceedings aimed at shutting down the church’s overnight shelter ministry.