A Massachusetts church has begun dismantling a tent community that sheltered 60 people experiencing homelessness after facing $1,200 in daily fines.
Here's what to know
In a Facebook post about sheltering people on its private property, the church disclosed the hefty fines it faced. The City of Lawrence issued House of Mercy Church a cease-and-desist order, with four separate violations carrying daily penalties of $300 apiece, according to MassLive.
The city raised concerns about permitting and oversight of the encampment's facilities. The encampment included 26 tents on wooden pallets, portable toilets, and two shipping containers converted into housing.
"The establishment or operation of unauthorized encampments, temporary housing structures, or sanitation facilities without the necessary permits and inspections raises serious questions concerning the health, safety, and welfare of both the individuals occupying those facilities and the surrounding community," Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña said in a statement, Boston.com reported.
More background
De Peña said Lawrence had more than 400 people experiencing homelessness and had devoted more than $1.9 million to its homelessness response during fiscal 2026, according to Boston.com.
The mayor said emergency services and city workers, along with local businesses, property taxpayers, and residents, were among those strained by the situation.
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Rising housing costs posed a challenge for one House of Mercy resident who had previously worked as a nurse.
What's being done?
The church is also seeking PayPal donations to help cover the daily fines and says it wants to work with the city. Belongings were thrown into a dumpster as crews dismantled the encampment in videos posted by House of Mercy.
The church said employment or treatment for substance use disorder were outcomes it hoped the shelter would encourage residents to pursue.
"House of Mercy is attempting to do something about a problem that does not disappear simply because we close our eyes to it," the church wrote on Facebook.
For the former nurse, the encampment provided a sense of security. "This is the safest place we've had in a long time," the resident said.
Where can I learn more?
The Lawrence church isn't alone in facing restrictions on services for people experiencing homelessness.
• A Florida church halted homeless meals and showers after county officials cited zoning violations.
• Massachusetts city councilors rejected fines for homelessness, urging more compassion in the city's response.
• A new Massachusetts shelter will provide beds for 50 women, easing daily uncertainty.
• San Bernardino backed a tougher anti-camping ordinance, requiring 72-hour notices before enforcement.
• Boston City Council addressed student homelessness in Boston as reported rates exceeded 10%.
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