Christian Charity Vows to Continue Feeding Homeless Despite Philadelphia Ban (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

A Christian charity in Philadelphia is challenging a city ordinance that prohibits feeding homeless individuals in public parks. Chosen 300 Ministries, a nonprofit focused on aiding the poor, has vowed to continue its efforts despite potential fines. The city had previously banned such feedings, but a judge recently suspended the rule for 120 days, allowing the ministry to serve homeless people during the weekend. Pastor Brian Jenkins, the group’s founder, emphasized that their mission will not be halted.

“We’re not going to move,” Jenkins said. “The penalty for holding outside meals is a $150 fine – we will pay the fine. We will continue doing what we need to be doing.” Jenkins explained that the ministry’s actions are rooted in both the Gospel and Christ’s commandment to serve those in need. He cited Scripture, saying, “Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.”

Jenkins noted that the city’s regulations were initially aimed at making it harder for organizations to serve the homeless. He argued that many groups already met the requirements, leading to an outright ban on feeding homeless people in parks. The city’s parks cover a significant portion of Philadelphia, making it difficult to assist the hungry. Jenkins believes the court will ultimately side with the ministry, but he and his team will continue their work regardless of the final ruling.

In another statement, Jenkins suggested that the city’s main concern was not health but aesthetics. “The real issue is they want to remove the eyesore of the homeless from the parkway,” he said. “The city can’t meet the needs of the homeless right now.”

Several Christian organizations initially joined the lawsuit against the city’s ban. Mayor Michael Nutter had argued that the measure was intended to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses. However, the court’s temporary suspension of the ban has given the ministry an opportunity to continue its mission, which Jenkins sees as a continuation of Christ’s call to serve the vulnerable.

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