TAYLOR, MICH. – There is an emotional culture clash brewing in Taylor, pitting some residents against a homeless support center that has been Downriver for three decades.
Residents say they support Christnet’s work, but its clients often create problems in the surrounding area.
Christnet has been a homeless facility for the past couple of years, and neighbors aren’t happy with it.
The city of Taylor has decided it’s not working out, so they essentially evicted Christnet over the weekend.
However, there are federal documents, a lawsuit, and a request for a temporary injunction to stop this until they can go to court.
Christnet operates daily in a storefront on Eureka Road, offering laundry, showers, and food.
Client Kimberly Price says the services are critical to her survival, having lost her job and apartment last year.
“It’s important because you have somewhere to still maintain your daily life,” said Price.
Yet daily life isn’t so easy for the neighbors, considering there’s an elementary school a block away.
At a May city council meeting, neighbor Gene Shelton complained about drug use near the children.
“I am a father of four young daughters,” said Shelton. “Why do I have to come outside my house, directly across from the playscape, and see someone light up their spoon?”
Many similar complaints prompted Taylor Mayor Tim Wooley to revoke Christnet’s business license.
“It’s a real tough situation, but at the end of the day, I made a decision that was best for my community,” said Wooley.
But attorney Aaron Speck says Wooley never gave Christnet a proper hearing.
“So your record is actually created in front of the mayor where we can have our evidence and witnesses, and have a full administrative hearing and have due process that the city ordinance requires,” said Speck.
“I’m praying Christnet is able to remain open because the love that comes from this place we get here we can’t get anywhere else as homeless people,” Price said.
Wooley says one issue is that other community organizations drop people off at Christnet, and they have no way to get home at the end of the day because it is just a daycare facility.
Wooley says they have to clear the playground of drug paraphernalia every morning.
Both sides are heading off to court for a hearing on July 2.