Lawrence, Mass. – The city’s mayor, Brian DePeña, issued a formal order this week requiring the removal of a temporary homeless encampment that had been erected on the grounds of the House of Mercy, a local faith‑based charity. The decision follows citations for multiple code violations, including building, fire‑prevention, health, sanitation, zoning and public‑safety requirements.
City cites violations, stresses rule of law
In a statement released by the mayor’s office, DePeña emphasized that “good humanitarian intentions do not exempt any organization, property owner, or individual from complying with applicable building, fire prevention, health, sanitation, zoning, and public safety requirements.” The city has reportedly fined the organization $1,200 per day since Friday and has identified four separate violations.
House of Mercy’s response
Roger Farah, the founder of House of Mercy, told Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra that the charity has been providing food, clothing and other essential services to Lawrence’s homeless population since 2018. Farah said the tents were set up just over a week ago as a short‑term shelter solution, but the city’s order forced the organization to begin dismantling the encampment.
“They’ve been fining us since Friday — $1,200 a day,” Farah said in Spanish. He disputed the city’s citations, arguing that the organization was acting in good faith to address a pressing community need.
Legal fight ahead
Farah confirmed that House of Mercy has hired legal counsel and plans to challenge the city’s order in court. “Even though we don’t want to, we’re going to dismantle it temporarily to see… we hired a lawyer. Now we want to fight it legally,” he explained.
The nonprofit’s founder also relayed a message from the people they serve: “Where are we supposed to go? They keep moving us around like we’re … like we’re trash, like we’re nothing.” He added, “Let us serve our community. We’re not asking for anything. We don’t need anything from the city.”
Balancing compassion and public safety
The Lawrence administration’s stance reflects a broader effort to uphold municipal codes while addressing homelessness. City officials argue that safe, sanitary conditions are essential for both residents and those seeking assistance, and that any shelter solution must meet established health and safety standards.
Community leaders and faith‑based groups have long played a vital role in providing relief to the city’s most vulnerable citizens. The current dispute underscores the tension between compassionate outreach and the practical requirements of city governance.
What’s next for Lawrence’s homeless services?
As the legal battle unfolds, House of Mercy says it will continue to offer food, clothing and outreach services while seeking a permanent, code‑compliant solution for sheltering the homeless. The city has not indicated whether it will work with the organization to develop an alternative site that meets all regulatory standards.
Lawrence residents and advocacy groups are watching the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that protects public safety without abandoning the city’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
