Dozens of code violations issued to church-operated homeless shelter

SKOWHEGAN, Maine (WABI) - Some residents in Skowhegan are concerned after a homeless shelter in a church was hit with dozens of code violations.

Town officials said they would never put unhoused families out of a shelter, but they want to make sure it’s safe.

Nicholas Nadeau, town manager of Skowhegan, has worked with the code enforcement officer, the Skowhegan Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office after dozens of code violations were discovered at a homeless shelter, Shelters by Jesus.

“We have had communication in the past regarding bed bugs and other issues, but we haven’t heard anything in regards to the recent violation letter that went out with some pretty serious fire safety issues,” said Nadeau.

Trinity Evangelical Free Church has been on McClellan Street since the 1970s.

After Pastor Richard Berry joined the church, he added a men’s shelter which is up to code.

The violations came as the other side of the church started to house families who were homeless, now providing shelter to about 40 people.

The violations include fire safety hazards, exposed wiring, and recent complaints regarding bed bugs.

Berry said it’s not the first time he’s received a violation, but he was shocked with the number of them this time, fearing the shelter could be shut down affecting the families housed there.

“As long as we show them what we plan on doing in the next 30 days they’d let us do it,” said Berry.

“It’s not set up to house 44 individuals overnight,” said Nadeau. “There’s no accommodations, no safety procedures in place, that building isn’t set up for that.”

Berry said they have no problem completing the tasks, he just needs some time.

Now, town officials are waiting for Berry to talk with them about plans that he said are already underway such as addressing smoke alarms and exposed wiring.

Berry said the funding for these projects will come through donations. There’s no state or federal funding.

Ultimately, Nadeau said the town would never displace residents in the shelter and leave them on the streets, but he says it’s their duty to make sure the space is safe.

“Once they make a plan that addresses some of the critical issues first, then we can get to the other ones later,” said Nadeau.

Berry said he’s been operating 18 years without it safely but will get the work done.