Pastor Ray Polk congregated for the last time under
Monterey Street Bridge Monday, where he’s led four years of prayer for
Fresno’s homeless.
“There has been no man that tore down the body of Christ and have mercy on their souls...until today,” Pastor Polk said.
Pastor Polk believes God is moving him to new shelter; however the City of Fresno wants him and his homeless church members out.
“We've been working with the pastor and others, since we provided a reprieve about six months ago. We allowed him to stay until the demolition was going to begin,” said Assistant City Manager Bruce Rudd.
City Manager Bruce Rudd says the city is demolishing the bridge because it’s a threat to public safety.
Earlier this year, homeless advocates sued the City of Fresno and the State of California saying the city violated rules during earlier homeless sweeps.
This time, workers helped the homeless vacate, but bubble wrap, boxes and pads didn’t alleviate the pain on move-out day.
“The city definitely made the wrong choice. This was done to disrupt homeless people's lives,” said a homeless man.
Pastor Polk plans to go on a spiritual vacation for a couple weeks.
“God allowed me to have two or three weeks vacation and I'm looking forward to it with my bible,” he said.
