An Ohio pastor who was criminally charged last month for housing homeless people in his church has had the charges dropped after reaching an agreement with the city, it was announced Thursday.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dads Place reached a deal with the city of Bryan that will see him cease residential operations while obtaining proper building certifications and zoning permits, his attorneys said in a joint statement with the city.

We are grateful that the city of Bryan has dropped the criminal charges against Pastor Avell, said attorney Jeremy Dys with the religious freedom group First Liberty, which is representing Avell. We will continue our conversations with city officials in hopes that we can find a final resolution where Dads Place can continue to serve those in need in its community.