Description
This article helps congregations interested in responding to the housing crisis through housing advocacy and/or building affordable housing on their property. Dr. Nadia Mian of Rutgers University explains how Black congregations have provided social services, including affordable housing, since the 1960s, as part of their social justice and racial equity ministries. This history shows how Black congregations’ response has evolved along with federal policy and funding for social services.
Mian provides several examples of Black congregations that have continued this tradition by responding to the current affordable housing crisis. Each example explains the housing problem local congregations faced, the opportunities their property and community offered, and the spiritual and practical supports that helped these congregations develop affordable housing on their property. The article also includes examples of congregations involved in housing policy advocacy, such as changing land use policies, zoning regulations, and historic preservation regulations that prevent community members from accessing affordable housing.
Features
- Audio widget that reads the article aloud
- Case studies of congregations involved in affordable housing development and advocacy
Recommended Audience
Clergy and lay leaders in Black and Latinx congregations
Cost
Free
Practical Applications
- Read about example congregations and get ideas about building affordable housing on your congregation’s property.
- Identify the local organizations that could help your congregation with housing development or advocacy based on the stories of the example congregations.
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