Judge Orders Skowhegan Church to Vacate Homeless Shelter Within 30 Days

In Skowhegan, a judge has ordered a church-run shelter, Trinity Evangelical Free Church, to vacate its premises within 30 days due to unresolved code violations. This decision follows a month-long effort by the town to address these issues. The church, which operates Shelters By Jesus, plans to relocate the families and children currently residing there to an adjacent men’s shelter, as stated by the church’s pastor, Rev. Richard Berry.

The legal proceedings culminated in a ruling by Judge Jon Haddow, who delivered the decision from the bench after a hearing on Friday. The 30-day vacate period began immediately, with a deadline set for around Sunday, October 18. The town’s legal action was prompted by a land use citation and complaint, citing the church’s non-compliance with local regulations, particularly the absence of necessary fire safety systems.

The conflict traces back to December 2025, when an inspection by the Office of State Fire Marshal identified 27 code violations. The inspection was initiated following complaints about people living in the church building. In response, the church is working with a contractor to prepare the adjacent men’s shelter to accommodate the displaced families, aiming to meet the deadline.

Amidst these challenges, the church continues to seek funding for new shelter facilities on its property. This development comes in the wake of a new ordinance enacted by town voters in June, which outlines specific permitting requirements for homeless shelters. As the community navigates these changes, the situation underscores the ongoing dialogue around housing insecurity and public policy, reflecting a broader call for mercy and justice in caring for vulnerable neighbors, as highlighted in Matthew 25:35.

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