Streets Alive Mission has stop order revoked

A stop order issued to Streets Alive Mission in November was revoked. The organization was in front of the Development Appeal Board on Dec. 21 arguing all the services it offers to people experiencing homelessness at its downtown site fall under the existing permitted use. 

The stop order was issued after a complaint to the city sparked an investigation into the religious organization’s operations. The downtown building has a permitted use of religious assembly, which the appeal board deemed is enough to continue operating as it is.  

Services that were in question included the operation of a financial administration program, a store-style clothing bank, lockers for patrons at the site and the use of the property as a mailing address for non-employees/volunteers.     

The city asked Streets Alive to apply for additional permits before issuing the stop order, but the organization instead went to the appeal board. 

City council chambers were overflowing with people attending the meeting to speak in support of Streets Alive.