Colorado Town Settles With Church Over Homeless Shelter

A legal dispute between the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Rock Church has ended with a settlement that permits the church to continue operating its homeless shelter while receiving $225,000 in attorney fees from the town. The resolution follows a year-long legal battle over whether the church could use its property to provide temporary shelter to unhoused individuals in line with its religious mission.

The church had previously offered shelter to those in need using campers on its parking lot. Town officials contended that this use conflicted with existing zoning rules, which did not allow housing on the property. Castle Rock required the church to go through a rezoning process involving multiple public meetings and formal applications. In response, Rock Church filed a lawsuit, claiming the town’s actions violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

In July, U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico granted a preliminary injunction in favor of the church, stating that the town’s restrictions interfered with the church’s ability to practice its faith through direct service to the homeless. The judge emphasized that courts should not second-guess a church’s sincerely held beliefs, even if local authorities question their validity.

As part of the final agreement, Castle Rock issued a revised Letter of Determination, formally allowing the church’s On-Site Temporary Shelter Ministry to operate within its current parking lot. The town also reserved the right to add fencing or landscaping to minimize visibility for nearby residents.

First Liberty Institute, a legal organization supporting religious liberty, represented the church in the case. Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys called the outcome “a welcome resolution” and an example of how cooperation between faith-based groups and local governments can support vulnerable community members.

For more details, refer to the original article on The Christian Post.