Churches convert vacant lots into housing because Jesus was homeless

I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the state of affordable housing in the US, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. The article talks about how some religious leaders are stepping up to address the issue by building affordable housing on their own properties. I mean, who wouldn’t want to help out their community, right? The Rev. Marilyn White, pastor of Trinity East United Methodist Church in Houston, is one such leader who saw an opportunity to make a difference. Her church had a grassy plot of land that was just sitting there, and she thought, why not use it to build some affordable housing? Sounds simple enough, but of course, it’s not that easy.

The article goes on to explain that building affordable housing in the US is a long and expensive process, with many hurdles to overcome. From securing funding and approvals to dealing with opposition from neighbors, it’s a wonder anyone gets anything done. But White was determined, and she got help from local organizations and other experienced folks, like Pastor Joseph Daniels, who had been through the process before.

Now, I’m not going to lie, the story of Pastor Daniels and his church, Emory United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, is quite the tale. They faced a protracted battle with the National Park Service and the DC Historic Preservation Board, which set their project back millions of dollars and several years. But they persevered, and eventually, they were able to build 99 units of fully affordable housing. It just goes to show that with persistence and determination, anything is possible.

The article also talks about the “YIGBY” movement, which stands for “Yes In God’s Back Yard.” It’s a play on the “YIMBY” (Yes In My Back Yard) movement, which advocates for more housing development. YIGBY is all about religious institutions using their own properties to build affordable housing, and it’s gaining traction. Lawmakers are starting to take notice, and some states are even passing legislation to make it easier for churches and other religious groups to build housing on their land.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are still many challenges to overcome, from financing to zoning regulations. But it’s heartening to see people like White and Daniels leading the charge. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a lot more affordable housing popping up in neighborhoods all over the country.

In conclusion, the story of YIGBY and the efforts of religious leaders to build affordable housing is a complex and fascinating one. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, determination and perseverance can lead to real change. And as I finish my coffee, I’m left thinking that maybe, just maybe, we can make a dent in the affordable housing crisis after all. Wouldn’t that be something?

Big Elephant

Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.

Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.