The city of Gastonia has just reached a final agreement with Faith Hope and Love Community Enrichment Ministries in their several-month-long battle to remove a homeless encampment on their property.
The church was sued by the city for violating city and zoning ordinances, racking up over $116,000 in city fines.
This week’s agreement will waive all penalties if the church finishes cleaning up the site within 30 days.
The church has also committed to not reinstating the homeless encampment and forbidding overnight stays on the property.
Supporters argue the situation underscores the city’s shortcomings in addressing mental health and addiction.
WCNC interviewed church members and several people who were saying at the camp in a report last week: