Where is the compassion?
Chris Avell, a pastor in Bryan, Ohio, was found guilty of violating fire codes after keeping his church, Dad’s Place, open 24/7 to offer shelter to local homeless individuals. The city charged Avell with not complying with fire safety regulations, which could result in a jail sentence of up to 60 days. The court issued a $200 fine and a suspended 60-day jail sentence, giving Avell and his legal team 30 days to appeal.
The case revolves around fire safety concerns, as officials claim the church lacked essential safety features, including an automated sprinkler system, which was highlighted during a fire inspection. While city authorities maintain that the focus is on public safety, Avell’s legal representation argues that the pastor should not be penalized for providing shelter to those in need, especially during harsh weather conditions.
The legal issues began in March 2023 when Avell decided to open the church around the clock for the homeless. The city initially charged him with 18 violations related to zoning laws, citing unsafe building exits, lack of proper facilities, and inadequate ventilation. Although there was an agreement in January 2024 to drop the charges if the church stopped its overnight operations until safety measures were implemented, new citations arose in April due to ongoing fire code violations.
City officials, including Mayor Carrie Schlade, have defended their actions, stating that the enforcement of fire codes is necessary to protect the people using the church and the surrounding area. However, Avell’s legal team has criticized the city’s handling of the case, arguing that similar requirements are not enforced on other buildings in the area, such as hotels and senior living facilities. The dispute remains ongoing as Avell’s attorneys prepare to appeal the court’s decision.