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Faith vs. Fines: Oakland Park Priest Faces $500,000 Penalty for Feeding the Homeless
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OAKLAND PARK, FL— For Father Bob Caudill, the mission is simple: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to go. But for the City of Oakland Park, those acts of charity at the All Saints Catholic Mission have become an illegal operation resulting in over $500,000 in fines.
For 36 years, Father Bob has dedicated his life to serving the unhoused, spending the last 12 of those years at the corner of Powerline Road and Northwest 35th Street. However, a 2014 rezoning effort by the city placed his mission in a legal grey area, sparking a decade-long standoff that shows no signs of slowing down.
A Zoning Conflict or a Human Rights Issue?
The city alleges that the All Saints Catholic Mission is operating a non-permitted soup kitchen in an area not zoned for such activities. Since the rezoning in 2014, the city has levied daily fines of $125, which have now ballooned into a massive lien against the church building.
Father Bob views the city’s actions as nothing short of harassment.
"2014 they decided to rezone Powerline, and they told me, fallaciously, that you have to stop feeding," Father Bob said. "You're not fitting into the new zoning."
Despite the mounting financial pressure, the mission continues to offer more than just meals; it provides showers, spiritual guidance, and a sense of dignity to those living on the streets.
A Lifeline for the Unhoused
To the people who rely on All Saints, the church is a vital resource. Jeremiah Williams, who is currently unhoused and working toward obtaining a commercial driver’s license, visits the mission daily.
Services utilized: Breakfast, lunch, and daily showers.
Spiritual support: Attending Mass and receiving guidance.
Community impact: A "hand up" rather than just a handout.
"I don't know any other church or any other pastor that will help us the way that he has," Williams said. "Everybody's just a child of God. Point blank, right?"
The Legal Battle Ahead
The conflict has already moved into the courtroom. While a judge recently dismissed a case filed by Father Bob against the city due to a missed filing deadline, the priest is far from giving up. He is currently preparing for "round two" of litigation to fight the fines and the lien on his property.
The City of Oakland Park has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing the ongoing pending litigation.
For Father Bob, the mandate comes from a higher authority than city hall. "Christ was very clear about us helping his people," he stated. "It doesn't matter what stage of life or who you are."
As the legal bills and city fines continue to climb, Father Bob remains steadfast in his mission, asking the community for prayers as he heads back to court.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoIbFreyI9k
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