by Jorge Gomez • 5 min read
An alarming trend keeps happening across the country. Local officials are increasingly harassing churches that help the most vulnerable in their communities. The most recent example? The Rock—a church in Castle Rock, Colorado.
To care for people, the church has several ministries including food distribution, job training and financial assistance. They also help people who are displaced to transition from homelessness to a permanent solution that includes a job and their own residence.
As part of a holistic effort to get people back on their feet as quickly as possible, The Rock uses two RVs as temporary shelter. The RVs are parked on a large, back parking lot on part of the church’s 54-acre property that backs up to the Rocky Mountains and are more than 400 feet from any residential property.
But the Town of Castle Rock is trying to stop the church from giving the homeless a place to stay in a pinch.
The town says the temporary shelter ministry violates zoning ordinances and is calling for an end to the mercy ministry efforts. It has essentially decided that it’s illegal to offer temporary shelter to the homeless, but okay to let them freeze on the frigid cold sidewalks.
In keeping with their religious beliefs, Pastor Michael Polhemus and the church have not stopped fulfilling their mission. They continue to care for those in need of emergency shelter, despite the attempt to shut them down.
In response, the town is openly retaliating. The town threatened to revoke the license of the coffee service housed in the church and forced the end of the church’s partnership with the county’s low-income housing program.
“Our mission is to transform society by loving others as Christ loved us,” says Pastor Michael. “This includes providing such a level of outreach and aid to the surrounding community that, if we ever close our doors, the entire community would feel our church’s absence. It’s shocking that the town is preventing us from providing temporary shelter and wrap-around assistance to people who are in their greatest need, thus helping to reduce homelessness in our community.”
What’s being done to this church isn’t just wrong. It’s illegal. The Constitution and federal law protect against government officials bent on intimidating churches that are using their property as a trusted place of safety for a vulnerable population.
First Liberty filed a federal lawsuit this week. We’re asking the court to stop the town from abusing its code and to allow the church to continue its ministry.
It makes no sense for local officials to harass the church like this. People in the community depend on the church’s ministry—particularly single moms and their children who, without the church’s help, would be separated and placed with foster families while homeless. Many have nowhere else to turn, especially because neither the town or county has emergency temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness or who are otherwise suddenly without a place.
The church estimates that approximately 15 people total have stayed in the RV’s over the last three to four years. They go through a background check before coming to the church. In addition to having a place to stay and receiving spiritual care, they also have access to the church’s extensive food pantry, clothes and the extensive help services the church offers.
Here’s what three people had to say about how this ministry changed their lives:
“If I had not been able to stay in the Church’s RV and did not receive the Church’s support…I likely would have returned to Kansas City where I would have fallen victim to my previous destructive patterns of drug use and self-harm…The temporary shelter and other assistance that the Church provided me during this time was essential for me to reestablish my well-being and become a self-sufficient, contributing member of society.” – Joseph R.
“I was able to get back on my feet and drastically improve my own and my son’s living circumstances and future prospects…I had nowhere else to go…Without the Church’s help, I would have been separated from my son and do not think I would still be living today.” – Taylor P.
Without receiving this temporary shelter and other assistance from the Church, I would have remained homeless and likely have ended up living on the streets…The Church helped me locate this apartment, paid my first month’s rent, and continued to provide me food while I was getting back on my feet. Since leaving the Church’s temporary shelter, I have maintained my employment with FedEx and continue to live in the same apartment without needing financial assistance.” – Fred K.
Houses of worship shouldn’t be threatened or attacked for housing the homeless and caring for the most vulnerable. It betrays what religious freedom is all about.
“Churches that take action to care for the homeless should be encouraged and affirmed, not opposed and retaliated against,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys.
We can’t let this discrimination and harassment continue. So, we’re going to court to defend this congregation.
You support can help us win his case. Think of the many people this church can continue to serve and minister to. Think of the many lives this church can potentially change and save by giving them a place to stay while they get back on their feet.
And by winning for this church, you’re also going to help protect religious freedom for Americans and houses of worship all across the country.
Pastor Michael and the church are counting your support. Please give to First Liberty today.
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