A pastor in Bryan, Ohio, is facing criminal charges after being accused of allowing homeless people to take overnight refuge in his church, which the city says has led to serious safety and zoning violations.

Chris Avell pleaded not guilty to 18 zoning law violation charges last week in Bryan over his refusal to turn overnight guests away from his church, Dads Place, as a homeless shelter next door struggles with overcrowding, his attorney said.

Its a housing crisis in Bryan, Jeremy Dys, an attorney with the religious freedom group First Liberty who is representing Avell, told HuffPost Thursday. For people who are in need of a place to stay, for a few minutes or a little bit of time, the doors are open.