The Inglewood First United Methodist Church in Inglewood, California, is facing a challenge as its congregants are being priced out of the neighborhood due to rising housing costs. Many church members are struggling to afford rent and contribute to the church. To address this issue, the church is planning to build 60 studio apartments on its property, with half of them reserved for older adults and all units offered at below-market rents. This initiative is part of a larger trend of churches, mosques, and synagogues across the country developing low-cost housing to help those in need.
Faith leaders see the provision of affordable housing as a crucial part of their mission, while also recognizing the financial benefits of such projects. Many religious organizations own valuable urban properties that are underutilized and could be redeveloped into affordable housing to generate rental income and support their operations. Legislation like California’s SB 4 has made it easier for nonprofits and faith-based institutions to build affordable housing by rezoning land near single-family homes for apartment development and fast-tracking approval processes.
These zoning changes have been met with widespread support from faith groups and affordable housing developers, creating a powerful coalition that has helped push through legislation like SB 4. The law allows nonprofit colleges and faith-based institutions to bypass local zoning rules and build affordable housing units on their properties. As a result, numerous churches and religious institutions in California and beyond have begun exploring housing development projects to address the growing need for affordable housing in their communities.
Inglewood First United Methodist Church, for example, has embraced the opportunity to build affordable housing on its property as a way to support its operations after losing a major source of revenue from a charter school that closed. By partnering with a developer to construct studio apartments, the church is ensuring a new stream of income while also investing in community services. This shift towards affordable housing development reflects a broader trend of faith organizations reimagining their role in the community and using their resources to address social issues like housing insecurity.
Legislators in other states, such as Ohio, have introduced bills like the YIGBY Act to encourage more affordable housing development on faith-owned land. Across the country, faith groups are exploring ways to leverage their property and resources to create affordable housing options for those in need. With the support of legislation like SB 4 and the backing of community organizing groups, churches, mosques, and synagogues are becoming key players in the efforts to increase affordable housing supply and address homelessness in their communities. By harnessing their assets and connections, faith organizations are making a significant impact on housing affordability across the country.
