Wheaton council affirms denial of Radical Hospitality Ministries' group care home license appeal

The Wheaton City Council on a special meeting affirmed the denial of Radical Hospitality Ministries' (RHM) appeal of the Group Care Home License Review Committee's decision, concluding the committee's finding that RHM had been operating a group care home without the required license was supported by the record. The council's action affirms the committee's written decision dated 01/27/2025 and relies on evidence submitted during the committee review and in the appeal record.

The council's review was limited to the record assembled by the committee; no new testimony or documents were accepted. That record includes RHM application materials, a residential handbook, a 2023 tax filing, a DuPage County grant application, inspection reports and correspondence between RHM and city staff. In public comment, neighbors and supporters presented opposing views about safety, code compliance and the organization's mission; the council repeatedly reminded speakers that those remarks were not part of the record on appeal.

RHM board member James Baugh told the council the organization began providing temporary housing at 530 East Indiana Street in January 2023 and later sought a group care home license after deciding to offer additional services. Baugh said the organization…