By Guy Page
A 150-year-old church in downtown Burlington is ‘under siege’ from a small army of homeless people, drug-users and their dealers, and mentally ill people, a church spokesperson said today.
The United Methodist Church in Buell and South Winooski Avenue, across from the Marketplace parking garage, is famed for its beautiful, historic stained glass windows and its extensive ministry to people in recovery. And both the church property and its ministry to 27 12-step recovery groups meeting onsite are threatened by the large crowd of people who gather outdoors and on the steps, buy and use drugs, leave needles on the ground, and sometimes enter the church and commit acts of theft and vandalism, Office Secretary Pam Fenimore told VDC in a phone interview this morning.
The problem started several months ago, Fenimore said. As WCAX reporter Ike Ben-David reports, a triangle of almost perpetual homeless/drug-users presence has developed between the church, the Marketplace garage, and the First Congregational Church across Buell Street.
Accommodations for Burlington’s homeless are overwhelmed and have been for years. In late January, the City removed homeless encampments along Battery Street and elsewhere. Homeless people tend to migrate from the library, to City Hall Park, and to the triangle.
Burlington police come when called (usually). “The police have been trying,” Fenimore said. “They come when we call them, most of the time.” An August 7 WCAX news video, “Burlington pastor says church ‘under siege’ from drug users, homeless,” shows BPD apprehending and arresting a man shooting up outside on church property.
Other government officials, however, have not yet shown much support.
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has not yet responded to any of the three letters sent to her by Pastor Kerry Cameron, Fenimore said. Only one city councilor, Democrat Mark Barlow, has come over to visit.
Fenimore expressed exasperation at judges who simply release people who damage property and make threats – people like Patrick Ibbotson, 37, who before he was arrested for interrupting Mass at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral three blocks away had already become persona non grata at First United.
“He made a statement here…’I could kill everyone in this church,’” Fenimore said. “We tried to get a restraining order out. But that didn’t go anywhere.”
This morning, BPD issued a press release noting that Ibbotson was arraigned in court August 14 and – the proverbial umpteenth time for someone with more than 250 police interactions – was released on conditions. One of the conditions is that he not trespass at First United Methodist.
As of this morning…. So far so good, Fenimore said. Yesterday she had to chase 15 people off the steps, but as of 9:30 AM there was no-one there.
“We have to remove people from the lawn when they’re sleeping here. We have to remove needles from the lawn every day. It’s been a terrible situation,” Fenimore said.
Financial problems
Damage to the church – such as the recent theft of the copper rain downspouts, and someone smashing the sanctuary steps because they were looking for drugs or heard voices – is covered by the church insurance policy. However, there’s a $100K deductible and ‘we have so many claims.’
The church’s response
After considerable discussion and pushback, the congregation voted to put up no trespass notices.
Fenimore said the congregation “didn’t want to be unwelcoming. They were afraid that if we put up the signs, people wouldn’t want to come here.” Especially people involved in the many 12 step groups held on church property. But as it turns out, the people in recovery also don’t like to see the needles, etc. on the lawn. They back the decision.
The church may also install surveillance cameras and build a fence off the back steps fronting Orchard Terrace – a frequent gathering space for drug dealing and shooting up. The Orchard Terrace residents like that idea, too, Fenimore said. They’re tired of seeing people shooting up, nodding off, and passing out.
‘Holy ground’
Fenimore was asked what advice she would give other churches facing this situation.
“I would suggest the churches show compassion,” she said. “We do have a Share meal. Every Sunday night,” people in any situation can enjoy a meal and conversation with the pastor and others.
But….
“You have to protect your holy ground,” Fenimore said – echoing words from Rev. Cameron on the WCAX report. “This is holy ground. We don’t allow drinking, Weapons. Drugs in the church. So we try to protect our church” – especially for the ministry recipients, people in recovery. “They are trying to get on the right road.”