Associated Press: A Catholic charity in Kentucky faced an uproar over its efforts to buy a home for four registered sex offenders, continuing what supporters say is a never-ending cycle for low-income offenders trying to get their lives back on track.

Members of the Catholic Action Center said they expected to hear fears and objections from the community when they held a forum at a Baptist church in January on their carefully planned purchase. They didn't expect to hear death threats.

The residents' extreme reaction has scuttled the center's plan and left its leader wondering if there's anywhere to house the paroled pariahs.

The outrage over the plan in Lexington and a similar case in New Hampshire -- where a church pastor infuriated neighbors by taking in a convicted child killer released from prison -- show the struggles that Christian charities or individuals face in trying to reach some of society's untouchables.

The charity was well within the law: The property was more than 1,000 feet from a school or daycare, and police were notified days in advance. Officials even scheduled a courtesy meeting to assure neighbors that the men had to follow strict rules -- drug testing, counseling and a 6 p.m. curfew. That meeting is where the plan fell apart, as neighbors voted unanimously against it.

"If we let this happen, how many more houses are going to be bought up by do-gooders and churches?" neighborhood resident Ed Clark said. "It's going to be a breeding ground for sex offenders."

Read more hot stories Moms Are Talking About.