Church sues to shelter homeless

In Castle Rock, Colorado, a non-denominational evangelical church is contesting a town order to cease providing shelter in RVs for the homeless, citing constitutional protections for religious activities. Joe Ridenour, who lived in one of the RVs after losing his job during the pandemic, stated that it helped him avoid relapsing into drug use. The church's lawsuit argues that aiding those in need aligns with Biblical teachings and highlights the lack of other shelters in affluent Douglas County. A federal judge has temporarily allowed the church to continue sheltering the homeless while the case is ongoing. The town, which maintains that the church is violating zoning regulations, has suggested alternative ways for the church to assist the homeless. The case has drawn comparisons to similar legal battles faced by churches across the country.