As information surfaces about The WellHouse and its relationship with residents in the surrounding community, its continued operation in Pell City remains in question.

The organization, a non-profit shelter for victims of sex trafficking, is facing claims of safety concerns related to the organization’s methods of operation from its neighbors. In consecutive Pell City City Council meetings, residents approached Council members to voice displeasure with the location of The WellHouse.

On Oct. 26, in the second meeting, more than 200 people divided on the issue appeared before the Council. But even after nearly two hours of public comment, a resolution appears distant.

Here’s a quick FAQ about the situation:

What is The WellHouse?

The WellHouse, a nonprofit based in Leeds, operates a shelter for female victims of sex trafficking located off Hardwick Road in Pell City. According to its website, the-wellhouse.org, it is “a faith-based and Christ-centered nonprofit organization offering immediate shelter and transitional housing to women who have been trafficked, are prostituting, or otherwise sexually exploited.”

The WellHouse was originally located in Birmingham and relocated to Pell City approximately 20 months ago, Executive Director Carolyn Potter said. In a release issued by attorney Phillip Corley, who is representing WellHouse, the move was made because the organization needed a larger facility.

“Even with access to the homes on the property, we still are forced to turn down girls needing our help due to our limitations,” Corley wrote.

For some time, the organization shared a facility with Lifeline Village, an operation of Birmingham-based Lifeline Children’s Services. Lifeline Village operated as a shelter for women experiencing a “crisis pregnancy,” according to its website, lifelinechild.org.

This year, Lifeline vacated the property and leased it to The WellHouse. Potter said the organization is in the process of purchasing it, and submitted a rezoning application to the City in July.

When did concerns arise?

When The WellHouse submitted its rezoning application, 16 residents whose property connects to its 35 acres received a letter notifying them. Three said during the Council meeting that this was the first time they had been told that Lifeline had left and The WellHouse was now at the site.

That application included a request to rezone parts of the property from RA (Residential Agricultural) to PR (Planned Residential). It also showed the development of additional structures on the property. Potter said this wasn’t a planned development, simply a “wish list” for the future that the organization had no definitive plans on.

“As part of our due diligence,” Corley wrote, “it was determined that the property was a legal nonconforming use. We approached the City to consider rezoning the property to make it a conforming use.”

Outcry from residents resulted in the application’s withdrawal, even after it received a recommendation from the City’s Planning and Zoning Board, as The WellHouse representatives said they wanted to work out issues with their neighbors.

What are the issues?

Although some residents said they had previously aired complaints, adding more structures to the property was the catalyst that led to most residents bringing their concerns forward. During the Council meeting, most agreed with the organization’s mission to support trafficking victims — just not its location.

Residents claim the property attracts a sizable number of vehicles down a narrow street, and that this traffic creates an unsafe environment. This claim was not directed only toward the vehicles, but rather the perceived occupants. Simply, residents believe that sex trafficking victims staying at the facility attract drug dealers and pimps to the area.

“It’s not about the women,” said Ed Tyler during the meeting. “It’s about the people who follow them to get them to return them to the trade.”

How did WellHouse respond?

Potter, during the meeting, confirmed that the facility does not have security cameras or controlled access measures in place, and that it does not background check its residents. However, Corley wrote that the program employs a “Rescue Coordinator who has a Master’s in Counseling” and a “Doctorate level Clinical Director” for resident assessment.

The organization also relies on information provided by the Alabama Fusion Center, a state law enforcement assistance organization, for referrals and information.

After reviewing the operation, Courtney Cook said that despite perceptions, The WellHouse operates in a manner consistent with national shelter guidelines. Cook, a community outreach specialist with the YWCA in St. Clair County, which runs a shelter for victims of domestic abuse in the area, said she believed The WellHouse has created a program on site that has implemented comprehensive program guidelines, including initial needs and safety assessments, drug and alcohol treatment referrals, counseling services and legal assistance. 

What happens next?

Residents who spoke during the meeting did not advocate for finding a solution to their concerns — there was little reaching across the aisle. They want The WellHouse to move.

Meanwhile, WellHouse representatives say that they are determined to work with residents to correct the issues and remain in the location. Corley wrote that the organization is exploring control and safety measures for the property, including fencing, gates, security cameras and alternate access routes.

However, two things could stand in their way. The operation does not have a business license in Pell City, and it’s operating under a nonconforming use zoning designation granted to the previous tenant.

Why doesn’t The WellHouse have a business license?

It did, but it was allowed to lapse this year. And when a late application was filed, the City chose to investigate.

Under the City’s business license ordinance, the Council has the ability to deny a license if it determines it must in order to “provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity, or improve the morals, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of Pell City.”

If Council members do so, The WellHouse would be granted a hearing within two weeks to present evidence for and against.

However, The WellHouse claims it doesn’t need a business license. According to Pell City’s ordinance (Section 6.5), unless a 501(c)3  has “unrelated business income,” it isn’t required to have a license to operate.

What about zoning?

On Oct. 12, City Manager Brian Muenger sent a letter to The WellHouse notifying leaders that the facility was classified as an “Emergency Care Facility” that was operating in an RA district.

“Based on my review of this matter, it appears that The WellHouse is operating in violation of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and I have serious concerns about The WellHouse’s ability to continue to operate its Emergency Care Facility at the current location,” Muenger wrote.

Muenger requested a discussion with WellHouse representatives but said one has not been scheduled.

Review of the zoning regulations could be sent before the Pell City Board of Zoning and Adjustments, which would need to be convened.

What will happen to residents of The WellHouse If the operation were to close?

It isn’t certain at this time what will happen to the shelter’s residents if the city decides to revoke or deny a license, change the zoning or otherwise shut The WellHouse down.

“We do not have a plan for that at this time,” Corley wrote. “We believe that the city officials are good people who will work with us through this process, and we believe that the law and the facts are in our favor.”