Judge allows Somerville church to open homeless shelter in its basement

A Somerville church that said it was called by God to open a homeless shelter in its basement will be allowed to do so, a judge has ruled.

Neighbors had sued First Church of Somerville, claiming that the emergency overnight shelter near Davis Square would make the area less safe and affect property tax values.

But Land Court Judge Diane R. Rubin ruled Monday that hosting the proposed shelter is "a religiously significant use," under what's known as the Dover Amendment to the state's zoning law. That allows the church to bypass local zoning rules.

Somerville's Zoning Board of Appeals had already approved the shelter, and denied the neighbors' appeal. That led the neighbors to sue in 2024. Several hearings were held in in the case last year.

The church, located at 89 College Ave., will now be able to open a 26-bed shelter, which will be operated by the Somerville Homeless Coalition.