First United Methodist Church - UPDATE

GREAT FALLS, MT – Recently, Reverend Skerritt, of First United Methodist Church (FUMC), reached out to the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) requesting a meeting to discuss the repeated issues occurring on their property at 610 2^nd Avenue North. The meeting, included Chief Newton, Captain Schaffer, Reverend Skerritt, and a member of the FUMC Board of Directors.  The meeting was positive and productive, and the parties collaboratively arrived at the following action steps;

1. FUMC plans to refocus on their ministry, and provide services to those who need it.
2. Implement processes to criminally trespass individuals from their property who are gathering there to engage in criminal activity. Reverend Skerritt and the FUMC requested GFPD’s assistance in this area.

Reverend Skerritt is moving forward with securing some areas of the property, posting “no trespassing” signs on their property, and actively trespassing individuals who engage in criminal behavior and/or contribute to problems in the area.

FUMC has taken positive step forward by working with GFPD to address the behaviors of some individuals on their property. This allows FUMC and GFPD to collectively take a more proactive role. We plan to keep the community apprised of changes to this partnership, as some peripheral issues/concerns may arise.

FUMC plans to have staff at the church to provide services, including referrals to other entities focused on assisting the homeless population.    

Both the GFPD and the FUMC recognize criminal enforcement is not the answer to homelessness; our collaborative goal is to remove those individuals who have no interest in FUMC or any services they provide. We anticipate the no trespassing notifications and enforcement to begin within the next few days.