Why Turning Churches Into Housing Is So Hard
I’ve written a couple posts about the YIGBY movement - Yes In God’s Back Yard; turning congregation property into affordable housing. At first glance, I was disappointed to read this Bloomberg/City Lab article talking about the difficulties in making these conversions. But as I read on it was clear to me that the authors don’t know congregations and most if not all of the stumbling blocks are a normal part of congregational life! None are insurmountable.
The reality is that congregations can have a substantial impact on the housing crisis. “A recent analysis by the Center for Geospatial Solutions at the Lincoln Institute found that religious groups own roughly 2.6 million acres across the US, with about 32,000 of those in transit-accessible urban areas. At the high end, that amount of land could supply 700,000-plus units of new housing, if subject to high-density development.” The article highlights an excellent resource created by the PC(USA) and Rooted Good entitled HOW TO DEVELOP WELL.
I take issue with the assumption that all congregations are looking to create housing as an income stream. While there’s nothing wrong with thinking creatively about our assets, I think most congregations are looking for opportunities to serve their communities. And I’ll remind us that while we might not have the skills and resources necessary, those resources are out there and ready to help us. I’d point out our joint project with the IU Center For Rural Engagement, Indiana Cooperative Development Center, and Bloomington Cooperative Living - Grassroots Housing Initiative. At its first summit last March, we’d hoped for 30 participants - we received over 125 registrations with 100+ participants.
Years ago, a for-profit affordable housing developer said to me, “We can’t fix this - you have to.” He didn’t mean “me” personally, but me the religious and nonprofit communities. His contention was that as long as developers have to make a profit, and in housing those margins are getting ever smaller, they won’t be able to produce enough. But those of us who don’t have to show profit to investors and boards, can break even while keeping costs affordable, and keeping people housed. We can do this!
