Jessica Morgan:
Religious leaders, housing advocates, and development professionals from across New York State gathered on June 18, 2025, for the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit at The Riverside Church in New York City. Organized under the theme “Rebuilding the Sacred Hearts of Our Community,” the one-day summit aimed to equip faith-based organizations with the knowledge and tools to turn underutilized land into affordable housing.
The event, hosted by the New York State Council of Churches in partnership with the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing and the Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative, drew a broad audience, including clergy, parishioners, architects, title companies, legislators, and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officers. Participants attended both in person and online, with registration options offered on a sliding scale or complimentary basis for faith leaders.
From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the summit featured panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendees explored case studies of completed faith-based housing developments, reviewed financing options, and learned about legal frameworks necessary for pre-development planning. Sessions also covered strategies for engaging financial institutions and navigating public-private partnerships.
Organizers noted that houses of worship across New York possess significant real estate assets—often underused—which could be leveraged to address the growing demand for affordable housing. One summit participant remarked during a session that congregations are beginning to see their land as an extension of their ministry to serve the broader community.
The conference also addressed policy developments and government programs that support faith-based development efforts. Attendees were introduced to funding sources aligned with the Community Reinvestment Act, and speakers outlined practical steps congregations can take to begin evaluating the feasibility of housing projects on their property.
A representative from one of the organizing groups emphasized the summit’s role in connecting spiritual vision with practical expertise, noting that cross-sector collaboration is essential for sustainable development outcomes.
The summit concluded with a networking reception, giving participants the opportunity to connect with peers, potential development partners, and funders.
As the affordable housing crisis deepens across the state, events like the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit highlight the growing interest among religious institutions in using their land not only for worship, but also to build stronger, more stable communities. The momentum generated at the summit suggests that more congregations may soon be taking the first steps toward turning sacred space into much-needed homes.
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