Wednesday, December 6, 2000
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Wednesday, December 6, 2000 |
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Homeless ministry struggles after losing county sewer ruling
By DAVE HAMRICK Chariots of Fire Ministries is still looking for a solution to its septic tank dilemma. And now the homeless ministry is scraping to pay its lawyers, in addition to its struggles with the septic system, according to a supporter. The ministry, founded by Bishop Luther Graham two years ago, works with local hotels and other businesses to find temporary housing for people who have lost their homes, and to find them jobs so they can find permanent housing. Last year, Chariots of fire purchased a home on Ga. Highway 138 in north Fayette to use as a home for the bishop and an office for operating the ministry. After the home's septic system failed and suitable soils for a new system couldn't be found on the two-acre site, Graham asked the Fayette County Commission to allow a tap-on to Clayton County's sewer lines, which run right by the house. But commissioners refused, saying they fear allowing sewerage from outside the county will spark high-density development in the area. The ministry filed suit, but a Fulton County judge ruled in the county's favor, saying the county has a right to control sewer service within its borders. Two months later, under threat of condemnation, Graham and his family continue to use showers and toilets in the adjoining office, which has a separate septic system, and sympathetic supporters conduct fund-raisers to help pay the costs of the ministry, as well as the lawyers' fees and septic pumping fees. For information on Chariots of Fire or to make a donation, phone 770-996-0076 or write to 108 Old Hwy. 138, Riverdale 30296.
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