Plans to open a homeless shelter at St. Barnabas Church on Chicago’s Southwest Side stalled Thursday, as some parishioners said they feared sex offenders would not be properly screened out.<\/p>\n
The City Council’s Zoning Committee deferred voting on whether a new site operated by Public Action to Deliver Shelter should be allowed at the Catholic parish in the Beverly neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Carmen Caruso, whose two sons attend St. Barnabas grade school, said many in the community are concerned.<\/p>\n
“We are opposed overwhelmingly and unwaveringly,” said Caruso, a St. Barnabas parishioner since 1985 and a Chicago lawyer.<\/p>\n
“They have got to find a better place if they want to perform this charity.”<\/p>\n
Caruso said more than 100 people have signed a petition against the shelter.<\/p>\n
The plans did not pass muster because they called for a shelter in the church’s cafeteria, said Ald. Virginia Rugai (19th).<\/p>\n
“It would violate our Department of Public Health code [against] people sleeping in an area where food is prepared, food or stored,” said Rugai, whose constituency includes the church at 10134 S. Longwood Drive.<\/p>\n
Rev. Raymond Tillock, pastor of the church, declined to comment, according to the church secretary.<\/p>\n
It is unclear whether the parish would submit a revised plan, said Thomas Moore, zoning lawyer for the Archdiocese of Chicago.<\/p>\n
“In many churches, it’s considered part of their ministry to feed the poor and house the homeless,” Moore said.<\/p>\n