Dalton & Tomich Secures Settlement for Mississippi Christian-Based Recovery Facility
Dalton & Tomich attorneys have helped secure a legal settlement that allows their client, a non-profit recovery center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to provide long-term housing for single mothers recovering from addiction.
Lighthouse Rescue Mission provides housing, treatment, and Christian-based religious services to single mothers who are in recovery from addiction as well as their children. In 2005, Lighthouse purchased a former elementary school building in Hattiesburg and began renovations to turn the structure into a worship facility and overnight shelter for its participants. However, the City refused to allow Lighthouse to house the women and children overnight at the facility because the school was located in a residential zone. When Lighthouse applied for a zoning change for the structure that would allow it to offer overnight stay, both the Planning Commission and City Council rejected the application. Lighthouse next applied for a conditional use permit, which the City Council approved with respect to offering worship services but explicitly prohibited Lighthouse from providing overnight stay.
With no other options available to it, Lighthouse filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in May. In the lawsuit, Lighthouse challenged Hattiesburg’s zoning regulations as violative of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (“RLUIPA”), the Fair Housing Act, and the United States and Mississippi Constitutions.
On November 7, 2013, the parties reached a settlement agreement under which Hattiesburg agrees to allow Lighthouse to provide long-term overnight housing to the single mothers and children that participate in its religious ministry. Hattiesburg also agreed to pay damages to Lighthouse as well as its attorney fees.
Dalton & Tomich attorneys have extensive experience representing a wide variety of religious institutions nationwide. Feel free to contact us if you believe we can be of assistance to you or your organization.
About Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
Read MoreKen KalbachElder, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Lenox, GA
Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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