Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church pastor Steve Grumm said he was deeply saddened that a Level III sex offender was discovered living in Calvary Lutheran Shelter, which is located on property owned by Our Redeemer's.

"We are bothered and disturbed that this happened," he said.

Grumm said he is relieved that the shelter, which is operated by SHARE, has a protocol in place for screening prospective shelter residents. But, he said that protocol is flawed.

Our Redeemer's will be meeting with SHARE this week to discuss a new method for shelter admission, Grumm said. SHARE has agreed to disallow new shelter residents until that meeting happens, he said.

Grumm said he hopes a new admissions process will be employed by SHARE sooner than later.

SHARE does not conduct background criminal checks on possible residents. Instead, potential residents are interviewed by members of the shelter.

SHARE was made aware of a Level III sex offender living in the shelter at the old Calvary Lutheran Church building Sept. 12. They removed the man and his belongings the same day.

Grumm said he appreciates the quick action of SHARE in removing the man. He said he also appreciates SHARE's policy of peer supervision while shelter residents are in the neighborhood.

Shelter residents are not allowed in the area of the shelter during the day and are only present at night with other shelter residents. Grumm said he believes this policy is effective and kept the sex offender from potentially acting out in the community.

The Calvary Interim Housing Task Force, which is comprised of SHARE representatives, members of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church and neighbors, has a scheduled meeting Oct. 1.

The 20-person shelter moved into the Calvary Lutheran building May 30 after numerous community meetings.