Mar 13, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished.
That’s what Father Bob Caudill, who has spent 36 years feeding the homeless at All Saints Catholic Mission in Oakland Park, has learned. Over the past 12 years, he has been in a dispute with the city, which says he has been operating a soup kitchen without the proper permits.
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The conflict began after the area surrounding the church was rezoned in 2014. City officials told Caudill he could no longer continue the food program under new zoning rules, a directive he says is flawed.
"They told me fallaciously that, 'you're not feeding in the new zoning,'" Caudill told CBS News (1).
Even after receiving warnings from the city, Caudill continued offering meals, showers and spiritual support to those in need. That choice has had consequences, however, as he now faces more than $500,000 in fines and has accumulated at a rate of $125 per day since 2014. The city has also placed a lien on the church property.
"Long and short of this case: we are suing them to stop the harassment because it's over $500,000," he said.
It also raises flags for any other charities that get caught in the legalities of a city’s rezoning.
Fighting the fine print
People experiencing homelessness say programs like Caudill’s play a meaningful role in helping them regain their footing.
Jeremiah Williams, who has been visiting the church for several months, said the meals and services have helped him as he works toward obtaining his commercial driver’s licence to operate a tractor-trailer.
“I come here to take showers. I come here to eat breakfast and lunch,” he said, adding he also relies on his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase additional necessities. “I don’t know any other church or any other pastor that will help us the way that he has.”
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The need for social support remains widespread. About 42.4 million people across roughly 22.7 million households received monthly benefits from SNAP during the first eight months of the 2025 fiscal year (October 2024 to May 2025). Disruptions tied to a federal government shutdown in 2025 also delayed benefits for some recipients and further exacerbated funding (2).
Disputes over charitable food distribution have emerged in other parts of the country. In Tempe, Arizona, a volunteer group known as AZ Hugs held weekly meal-distribution picnics for about three years, even after city officials warned that a permit was required (3). Organizer Austin Davis later submitted an application but continued hosting the events while the request was still pending.
City officials denied the permit, pointing to the group’s history of operating without approval, complaints from nearby residents and concerns about conditions in Papago Park. There were reports of trash and drug paraphernalia being found in the area where the picnics were typically held.
In a statement to Forbes, Tempe officials said the city has expanded efforts in recent years to help connect people experiencing homelessness, adding they must find what they described as a “careful balance” between providing assistance and ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible for the broader community.
In Caudill’s case, he also attempted to challenge the fines in court earlier this year, but the case was dismissed after the city argued he had missed a key filing deadline.
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When giving back can come with risks
For many churches, volunteers and grassroots charities, meal programs and outreach efforts are meant to fill gaps where formal support systems fall short.
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Before launching an initiative, organizers are encouraged to confirm their plans comply with local zoning rules, which can determine what services are permitted in neighbourhoods.
In cities like Chicago, groups hoping to run food pantries or similar programs may need to coordinate with planning departments, obtain licenses and ensure their spaces meet safety and accessibility standards (4). Regularly distributing prepared meals may also require oversight from local health authorities.
Organizations like the National Council of Nonprofits can serve as a resource for groups navigating these requirements, offering guidance on compliance, operations and risk management (5).
Organizers can also take steps to help their programs run smoothly, including:
- Check zoning and permit bylaws early by contacting local planning departments.
- Budget for compliance costs, including permit fees, insurance or facility upgrades.
- Understand the health regulations that may apply to large or recurring meal services.
- Seek professional guidance from nonprofit advisors or land-use attorneys if unsure.
Although Caudill remains locked in a legal battle and faces steep fines, he says he plans to continue serving meals to people experiencing homelessness as he prepares for his next court appearance. The city of Oakland Park declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
"Pray for us," Caudill urged. "Help us win this trial. Amen!"
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
CBS (1); Pew Research (2); Forbes (3); Municipal Government of Chicago (4); National Council of Nonprofits (5).
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Victoria Vesovski is a Toronto-based Staff Reporter at Moneywise, where she covers the intersection of personal finance, lifestyle and trending news. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a postgraduate certificate in Publishing from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s degree in American Journalism from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Her work has been featured in publications including Apple News, Yahoo Finance, MSN Money, Her Campus Media and The Click.
