CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A deadline is looming for an Aransas Pass place of worship that has been allowing a handful of homeless individuals a place to set up their tents outside.
The police department there said they've been trying to work with the group for the last 6 months in order to give them time to comply with local and state camping laws. Something they say hasn't happened yet.
Here's what can happen "if" the church doesn't meet that deadline of Feb. 1.
Monday, 3NEWS went back to the Remnant House of Worship off Commercial Street where the effort by its pastor could start landing them and the handful of homeless staying there with citations.
Just behind the Remnant is where 3NEWS met camper 'Rowdy Ray'. He said he's thankful for what he calls his safe space.
"I love everything they do for me," Ray said.
He is one of about five individuals who have been allowed by Pastor Tracie Frazier to set up his shelter at their place of worship.
Since August, Frazier said they raised enough money to build a privacy fence after complaints that the homeless individuals' camps had become an eyesore.
They also set up a port-a-potty.
"We didn't come here to cause problems for anyone we are just trying to help people," Frazier said.
Despite their efforts, the fence won't be enough.
Police contend the homeless camp will need to come into compliance with local and state laws.
"That's what they are doing is saying we are a shelter, and then with it being a shelter, there's all these guidelines you have to follow," Frazier said.
Police said they have notified the church that they will have to develop a homeless camping plan that would need to be presented to City Council by Feb. 1.
But, that hasn't happened yet.
"What they are wanting us to do is get medical, and mental health, and provide rides back and forth to their appointments. We can't afford it," Frazier said.
The pastor has since sent a letter to the police department.
"I want it in writing exactly what they want us to comply with, because I don't want us to comply with one or two things and then come back with 15 things," she said.
Police Department Captain Alvin Luker said police have been forthcoming to try and work with the church and provide information on the law.
But the deadline is fast approaching.
"Feb. 1 is a date that we all agreed upon in a meeting in October, that would be the date, that Mr. and Mrs. Frazier would be able to have a homeless camping plan developed and then subsequently present to the city council for approval." Luker said
Police have sent a letter back to the church explaining their previous communication.
They also want to clear up any misconception that they were trying to shut down the church. Captain Luker said that is not their intention.
"Absolutely not trying to infringe on the ability for that church to operate that is something we are not addressing at all, simply trying to get voluntary compliance for the homeless camping that is going on," he said.
Frazier is worried where the men might end up if they don't have this place to stay, but she is hopeful they can work together toward a reasonable solution.
"As Christians we are supposed to try to work peacefully and obey the laws of the land but we also are supposed to help our brothers and sisters in Christ, the less fortunate," she said.
Both sides said they're trying to work toward a solution that works well for everyone.
When Thursday comes, we're told the church will not be cleared or vacated.
Captain Luker said they are not trying to make arrests or take anything away, but eventually the church could face consequences in the form of citations if they don't fall within the guidelines.
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