FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
An old, decaying bridge in downtown Fresno is going away, but a pastor who lives there says his ministry to the homeless will continue.
City crews started to clean up the area in and around the Monterey Street bridge Monday to prepare it for demolition.
Closed for years due to safety concerns, the bridge has become an encampment for members of Fresno's homeless community, including Pastor Roy Polk.
But, Polk says he didn't have to live there. He chose to live with the homeless to bring the word of God to some of those who need it most.
"It's just amazing the homeless turning their lives completely around, coming down to the altar, getting down on their knees and praying, just getting on the pulpit and just talking to God. It's astonishing, I tell you, what I have been through here."
City workers helped Pastor Polk pack up his makeshift office.
Polk says the city has also offered to store his things for two weeks until he can find a new location with one of the many local churches that have invited him to join their homeless ministries.
Demolition on the bridge could begin by Wednesday.
