RALEIGH, – A state agency has stepped in the ongoing dispute involving charity groups feeding the homeless in downtown Raleigh parks, after one group was told the stop the practice recently when told they would be arrested for violating a city ordinance.

The North Carolina Department of Administration granted a permit Thursday to a Raleigh charity who requested space to feed the homeless in Raleigh's downtown area. Church in the Woods, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has been permitted to use the grounds at the corner of Lane and Wilmington Streets from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through September 8^th.

"We feel that it is important for North Carolina's charities to be able do their good work in cooperation with State government," said Governor Pat McCrory. "We are pleased to be able to help."

Church in the Woods applied for the permit on August 26^th with the purpose of serving food, distributing clothes, toiletries, counseling and encouragement. In the permit they affirm that they are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, incorporated in North Carolina. They expect to serve approximately 100 people.