I'm on a bicycle journey but I can't afford any nearby hotels/motels! Do any of you know if it's legal to sleep in a church?
*at night, that is!*
2006-09-09 09:43:00 · 13 answers · asked by mearsob 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
Contact the pastor of various churches in the towns you go through and talk to them. There will be many who will see that you have a place to sleep.
2006-09-09 11:18:06 · answer #1 · answered by Pichi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is legal if you have permission. If you don't have permission you could be charged for trespass.
I would recommend that you CALL these churches in advance to inquire about staying on their premises. Ask to talk to the senior pastor. If your story sounds legit there is definitely a CHANCE they might approve. However, many many not. Many churches have all sorts of computers and other equipment that they will unlikely want to "expose" to transients traveling through town. It will really depend upon the church & your reasons I think.
You could also offer to volunteer to pay your way. Offer to pull weeds or clean windows. Just a thought. It may not work. Just another idea I guess.
2006-09-09 19:06:54 · answer #2 · answered by take_me_to_the_beach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on what you mean by "sleeping in church"
If it is done without permission, it is breaking and entering, and I'm sure against the law. Most churches are locked at night. If you need somewhere to sleep, if you contact the pastor or priest in the daytime, then he may be able to help you find somewhere to stay. But there is no way sleeping in a church without permission would be legal.
2006-09-09 16:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by peggy b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not legal. A church is private property owned by whom ever runs the church. It is trespassing. If you don't have a place to sleep and only a bicycle how did you get access to a computer and the internet?
2006-09-09 18:08:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have slept in a vehicle in a church parking lot before (anyone who would attack someone in a church parking lot is just crazy), but never inside of the building before. You may want to look into local hospices if you can't afford a room, or you may be getting a free bed and a meal from the local jail.
2006-09-09 16:57:42 · answer #5 · answered by joesfoot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is legal, with the pastor's permission. If you feel that comfortable, you might just stay at the Pastor's house. I'd invite you in to sleep and feed you a nice hot breakfast before you travel again.
2006-09-09 16:46:37 · answer #6 · answered by Wise ol' owl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to contact the local churchs
Why don't you carry a sleeping bag and sleep outside, if u have no money ?
.
2006-09-09 16:50:13 · answer #7 · answered by Scooby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better off at a homeless shelter or the local police station.
2006-09-09 17:45:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you will find to many churches that leave the building unlocked any more.
2006-09-09 16:48:08 · answer #9 · answered by pmdan00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why not. I say go for it. Hell you may even be able to find their wine stash and get wasted. Just think free brooze and a place to sleep. Damn, that's a good deal!
2006-09-09 16:46:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋