Faith-Based Organizations Convert Underused Properties into Community Assets Across U.S.
Faith-based organizations across the United States are increasingly transforming their underused properties into affordable housing, childcare centers, arts and cultural centers, and social enterprise hubs. A Rutgers University survey identified 200 faith properties converted into affordable housing and shelters over the past decade. This trend addresses the challenge faced by many houses of worship with emptying properties and declining congregations, which often struggle with the financial and environmental burden of maintaining large, underutilized buildings. While 20 conversions per year is a modest number compared to the tens of thousands of struggling properties, it highlights a growing movement to repurpose these assets for community benefit. Several states, including California, Florida, and Virginia, have passed 'YIGBY' (yes in God’s backyard) legislation, offering incentives for religious institutions to redevelop their properties into affordable housing. Municipal governments in cities like Atla...
