Be The Bush Recovery Ministries V. Coffee County Tennessee

Case Background

On March 2, 2024, Be the Bush filed a civil rights action against Coffee County alleging violation of the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) before the United States District Court, Tennessee Eastern (Winchester). The case was assigned to District Judge Curtis L Collier and referred to Magistrate Judge Susan K Lee. [Case number: 4:22cv16]

Cause

Be the Bush, a faith-based residential rehabilitation program for men recovering from addiction, has operated since September 1, 2018. It aims to provide long-term recovery through community support, biblical counseling, job skill development, and accountability. Founded by Caleb McCall, Be the Bush is not a detox facility and does not offer medical treatment or house individuals who are criminally dangerous or mentally ill. In late 2021, Be the Bush sought to purchase an 8-acre property in Coffee County, Tennessee, but encountered zoning challenges. The property, currently owned by the Keats, was previously an elementary school. Be the Bush planned to use the property for its residential program but faced opposition because of zoning restrictions. The RS-1 low-density residential zone allowed single-family dwellings and educational facilities but excluded religious facilities. Be the Bush proposed an amendment to allow their program as a "Non-profit Church, ministry, and/or other religious facility" by special exception. The County’s Planning Commission rejected this proposal in October 2021. A revised proposal was also denied by the County Commission in January 2022, despite support from lega