Joel Osteen's megachurch finally announces it's open for Harvey victims

Lakewood Church, televangelist Joel Osteen's massive Houston arena complex, finally made clear on Tuesday that it will provide shelter for Harvey victims after hours of uproar on social media.

The church previously claimed the building was unsafe for relief efforts due to flooding inside. But social media sleuths who visited the grounds on Monday questioned that assessment and posted photos showing a relatively dry exterior and surrounding area.

"Lakewood is receiving people who need shelter," the church tweeted from its official account multiple times on Monday morning.

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Osteen himself also confirmed the news shortly afterword.

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While various reports claimed that the church had already opened its doors Monday night, it had yet to say so explicitly on its public channels until Tuesday morning.

Writer Charles Clymer, who solicited some of the original photographic evidence of the church's status, claimed late on Monday that the church has stocked up on air mattresses to serve occupants.

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A local TV journalist also reported that lines had begun to form outside upon the announcement.

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Osteen told ABC News in a statement Monday that he was "prepared to house people once shelters reach capacity."

"We have never closed our doors. We will continue to be a distribution center for those in need," the celebrity preacher told the network.

His statement seems to contradict a Facebook post from the church on Sunday in which it claimed that the building was "inaccessible due to severe flooding" and, presumably, closed.

Formerly known as the Compaq Center, the Lakewood Church building once served as the home of the Houston Rockets and can seat up to 16,000 people.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Osteen, who rose to fame after taking over the church's service in 1999, has long been criticized for the huge profits he reaps with his popular sermons and international celebrity. His net worth is estimated to be around $68 million and his River Oaks mansion is valued at $10.5 million.

The perception that he dragged his feet in opening the church in a time of crisis only served to confirm the accusations of hucksterism to some.

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Other religious institutions in the Houston area have also opened their doors to the tens of thousands of people driven from their homes as hurricane-related floods continue to devastate the area.

The church didn't immediately respond to requests for more information.