Pastor faces charges for keeping church doors open to help homeless

BRYAN, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - A pastor has pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in municipal court in Bryan, Ohio, after opening the doors to his church 24 hours a day last March to anyone in need of a place to rest or get out of the cold.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place faces numerous zoning code violations.

“We’ll see, but I’m just, I’m praising God that at least as of now if I’m understanding correctly, the people can stay,” Avell said Jan. 11 while standing next to his attorney outside of the courtroom.

The church is located next door to a county homeless shelter but often takes in those the shelter cannot help.

“We’re disappointed with the city that they would take that extra measure,” said Jeremy Dys, the attorney representing Avell. “There are multiple attorneys on this case. Mayor (Carrie) Schlade and anyone from the city could have come and talked to any of us at any time.”

A reporter’s call to the mayor was not returned.

Last November, Avell said the Bryan City Zoning Commission told him Dad’s Place, which does not have bedrooms, could no longer house the homeless.

A court filing states the building is zoned as Central Business, and people are not allowed to eat, wash clothes or sleep on the property.

In a statement released in December, the chief of Bryan Police said in part: “A reasonable amount of time was given for both the tenant and property owner to fix the issues. Due to the safety of all involved, the city moved forward with filing charges.”

Avell said he will continue to keep his church doors open throughout the winter.

“So, my concern would be, ‘Hey, let’s make sure we’re representing Christ well in all of this.’ We’re a church, you know. This is what we do,” Avell said.

The visiting judge ordered that another hearing is to be scheduled within 30-45 days.

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