The Wired Word for 08102025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 08/10/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://www.thewiredword.com/touch-icon-iphone-retina.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 08/10/2025 - Category: #articles - Summary: Across the United States, affordable housing is now being built on land owned by churches, meeting a critical need for low-income neighbors. - URL: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/3a99f2cbb46840dec2e3b07b6845c0b2 Dear Class Members, Across the United States, affordable housing is now being built on land owned by churches, meeting a critical need for low-income neighbors. Such innovative outreach efforts inspire us to focus this installment of *The Wired Word* on housing, local mission and faithful stewardship of church resources. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **800,000 Affordable Homes Could Be Built on Church-Owned Land*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of August 10, 2025** **In the News** One solution to America's housing crisis is being developed in church fields, synagogue parking lots, and random parcels of land owned by religious institutions. Since home prices are currently outpacing wages in many places across the country, houses of worship are stepping in and offering their land. While congregations do not always have a lot of money, many own valuable real estate. According to *News & Insights*, these developments are "part of a growing national movement known as Yes in God's Backyard, or YIGBY. Positioned as a counterpoint to Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) resistance, YIGBY takes a mission-driven, community-first approach, helping religious institutions transform their underused land into desperately needed housing." The opportunity for community service is significant: Religious groups collectively own more than 2.6 million acres across the United States, and much of it is not being used to the fullest. This amount of land could support as many as 800,000 new homes. But development is not easy, since most congregations do not want to become real estate developers. Partnerships are needed, in order to turn congregational land into affordable homes. In Virginia, Fairfax Presbyterian Church is donating approximately 1.6 acres of its land for affordable homes, so that the "Glebe View Townhouses" can be built. The church is working with three housing partners: Habitat for Humanity NOVA is the developer, nonprofit Homestretch/Sacred Homes will own two of the houses, and HomeAid will provide building materials and tradesman expertise at reduced prices. At the recent groundbreaking for Glebe View, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) said he tried for 30 years to get churches to donate land for affordable housing. "God bless the Presbyterians for what they're doing," he said. "We live in the third-most-affluent congressional district in the country, as measured by median household income. But we have some of the highest housing costs in the country -- and that means affordability goes further and further out of reach for a lot of working men and women." Those, he said, who are trying to solve the problem are actually "living our faith, not just preaching about it." *The Connection Newspaper* reports that Glebe View "will be 10, brick-exterior, three-level townhouses, each with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus one-car garages and driveways." Community life will be enhanced by a walking path around the 8.25-acre church property, as well as a green area next to the homes with a pergola, solar pathway lights and benches. Eight of the townhouses will be sold to families earning less than the area median income. These homeowners, selected by Habitat, will work alongside other volunteers to help build their homes, and sale prices will be below market rate because the church is providing the land free of charge. The other two units will be rentals and will be sold to Homestretch for its Sacred Homes program, focused on lifting families out of poverty. "Pairing the surplus of faith properties with the deficit of affordable housing appears to be a match made in heaven," said *Urban Land Magazine.* The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles recently "announced the goal of building affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, refugees, and unhoused people on 25 percent of the diocese's 133 church campuses." In Idaho, hardworking families are finding that the cost of housing is really stretching their budget -- even with two jobs. "As of June 2025, a typical home in Boise would require 45.3% of the median household income to afford," said economist Jiayi Xu. That is "well above the recommended 30% benchmark." In response, real estate professional Bart Cochran has created a nonprofit called LEAP Housing, which helps congregations to convert their land into affordable homes. He quickly discovered 168 churches with more than 180 acres of underutilized land. Their first YIGBY project came together in 2021, on a quiet patch of land owned by Collister United Methodist Church in Boise. The church agreed to lease a portion of its underutilized land to LEAP for just $1 per year, on which the housing organization built two family-sized rental homes. Rent is set roughly 50% below market rate, making it genuinely affordable for working families in Boise. For Cochran, the project represents a return to the church's historic role in meeting community needs. In the past, "churches filled the gaps in the community," he said, whether it be health care or child care. LEAP Housing is helping churches "be able to meet the greatest needs of the community today, but also, in some ways, we're giving them a vision for the future,” he said. Some churches have experienced a renewed sense of mission and volunteer energy after building housing, and some have seen their membership grow as they became more embedded in their communities. "Sometimes these churches get a new mission," he said, "and that's exciting." More on this story can be found at these links: [Yes in God's Backyard: More Than 800,000 Homes Could Be Built on Land Owned by Churches -- Here's How Some Are Breaking Ground on Affordable Housing.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLvmzQvZR1VSwlctxYIkShTV-2FfkNnwt-2Fb0CXlJqQAU4JZt1mptVAd6uEdqu6RE-2FkH1sBTLMC7Mko742gkbGmpIqieaPmT01ZvpRAbjFaFG98Hs7TxFensPhZfsYcrGfkhJ3IdsOn0AQ08lw9lkKevRh-2Fyz6Eens1ALTgsKozQnPNQDCfhqYjfog-2FlOq3xWzLUHQeY-2F7KT6bHThf5Z8-2F3j0hvFXkBCGCz9hq08fcX9oQeZ1-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tiO4K-2BTzWd2WenhxH4Q3QeWVV7kCvArYgC8g-2F8Xc8bwJWDUGEOIr7K2V1xGRpDp-2FLiv3-2FfA4yvlWYhQ33xOs9l7sXBHxJAM8DS5Yp3LGj-2BdRhXi4-2FoykiDArgFzUVjf2VZy8-2BG84XZYjwL7kvP2EjcYmSOHrOL2o3IWaz8ltaBcdgUv-2BgjpZNFUGMg6yNLmYmcHqr2PHJfTC1ksSn-2BTUP00-3D) [*News & Insights*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLvmzQvZR1VSwlctxYIkShTV-2FfkNnwt-2Fb0CXlJqQAU4JZt1mptVAd6uEdqu6RE-2FkH1sBTLMC7Mko742gkbGmpIqieaPmT01ZvpRAbjFaFG98Hs7TxFensPhZfsYcrGfkhJ3IdsOn0AQ08lw9lkKevRh-2Fyz6Eens1ALTgsKozQnPNQDCfhqYjfog-2FlOq3xWzLUHQeY-2F7KT6bHThf5Z8-2F3j0hvFXkBCGCz9hq08fcX9oQyM2O_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tqK98U1C2-2BphM5ebsJLM4hSoNNk6CsF5JXMI3uaWZOecM1T97YhYTp-2F2b5KOuUP30-2FjvNNDTNgLfAIzUWkh78NIGn8r47X-2F9IGLtCGufzZRwPk-2FZz7IIwReVWSDA-2BtjYsPDnezK9RoIQKBvvJSxIQOzMMtEHuYhsgJzRBb08kobcci3vg2eBr7sMSQOMP5yZR8eOuagOk9Ai50ib9aIDj-2BY-3D) *'*[A Joyous Day Filled](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DWuC9_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tuMrrgly89zMYJ-2B7OoqOlFNVXEF-2F5ICPIHxfYP9cc0CKyNPA9zkAiogUhZtFyi7lJ9y67zQ0HRG2tjE12AZ-2BONioRvZtoNHEQ5zmkXXA-2Bg8DMH-2B4ZDZwyBvRgueKAIG8aNw1KhQn4RayL-2Fro-2BKSHdULN7pbBYfEhexbKOpvsWSC0FgXDfyM1jaFiz8AEkQMyW-2FRowzlyEkVELKxc6LwnJ9k-3D) [Wi](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DGZj3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tmR-2FTt9Zvh8slOgtwE3FI0lQvGHFfpyVEFNM9vnO0carSf6ZApQPGFO7IoLDaBShQKT-2FJNMFYIXNKBwORp-2FiMW4p0XS7VM4yLLz4YaxTMIYWufn-2FHj6oHhr7g89rpXJ2cDJ1AM-2FeK31UQJ3RkoMVni99IP4Wo0hfoepxZWWl9nFG2xzR7jcozcXT16vV2Zj7Z9fWql2Ucl968QpRUV5L28g-3D)[th Hope, Progress and Possibility'](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DuoJ3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tpWUcxH-2FL2Vyd9sqd86zvGsAuVuvjjmbhNNRSB6BI6kTrudYe9r0zCOzF6mcI7ZgjIOsnamcze7TNsWjlE-2F99kJzvcR6myNxKfUzpHI1pabcH8QidVwAF2vuMPCwfgavv3kfIjeNowj3O6xRoGD6b7Fln1w2M18INsz47ZGcGpPtNlK213temE-2B8etKp5KlH1nxMI-2Fpam6z27tlpoUgQg-2F4-3D) [*CentreView*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DTsUo_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tvPsizw5shhetFolpD1frloRZYDyRu4JEmACbV5FKdwbkClneghHzgRyY-2F33qfIeQ3wzoSgY5jWJYZ9aLg7HIntRJm9wUnENT-2Fpr-2BltINZO9nRE-2BChPgLrSbFiS5MQKn1BISHmuA6bcZHVgNAh2x1-2FkLWGLCa0fZA0jfv1lDdf0E-2Fyb8WU8BYHcyrRLP1HKqV3iRT4NlNXwy6SzCyAmVvZ8-3D) [Glebe View Townhouse Project at a Glance.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIusiJo-2BQvB-2BExIcQwpYeqQxP2j4zDepNK46C4-2BT-2F1NOUuMMDgLmZ-2BT-2BVSww-2F7TEDIxod-2BINDv8elAQre43TFTdbI-2FkWaPGwaquylaG-2FbTEl42GMbmetCrHkFpfFyan2Hg-3D-3D2bNF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tgHRu4pUR01yL31ERaEZ8F4eHyPCb47T1Lc-2B3DTx6u0PRkBoQ6cphu8A-2BdU-2FnYMrGooJ6ANApszCKsaUhj9e4Z8alXRVW-2Bm-2Fqb4MVdaJZseLqYB-2BcNa6Hxu6NHQwzzZP9xz1if-2FzSIXYRrONASaiaZ3p2eEYRd9zPWf8pkK4egM4k-2B47xUdsbiCydgTWHY-2FBUNL1QnTw4i-2Bhy3PZshDqvwQ-3D) [The Connection Newspaper](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIusiJo-2BQvB-2BExIcQwpYeqQxP2j4zDepNK46C4-2BT-2F1NOUuMMDgLmZ-2BT-2BVSww-2F7TEDIxod-2BINDv8elAQre43TFTdbI-2FkWaPGwaquylaG-2FbTEl42GMbmetCrHkFpfFyan2Hg-3D-3DqlAK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8trJML499MUfycjJNUKBrnnj5b8XQi1ZPPAU6irzayBafLc-2BxGcLbCr3uACNDfdQqlKwL-2FU3OBKQaP9orC0ixX-2FEd6r04E1ReaOjvD9sxtd7ULkAObpJk5RinONswSDlTwf-2BYQdb3XWJ7NmND-2FOm76C7hZhL-2FdD6JEjDTR-2FV-2BP7eSaA3EiFgxH5K9qAnUqqTpWn6mMJj9FHFW3Qwsu9OFbE0-3D) [Affordable Housing: YIGBY](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DI_JP_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tn3Di9Hc1w-2Beabb1rom5VW9KNbtIGrab48g8He-2Bz7of7uZiL-2Bb0TmJ49wc32IrB0MaHgepsymXrC7jqz0ujjrGf7Xtms1yHdCOT3gVmlByMdGbFXtukfJI1KznfK7nHhwzJt2T89Bw7O8eSaXKdfpjauAXj53WnBAuBy3OUqKq2MifpV-2FdD6VVrz-2Bk-2FHBQDQEwvS1BuvwOHexNaQp1avFO0-3D) [('](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DNavj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8ttOBxFZizV86-2Fn2Q-2FU7m1VnIZdLI2mGBTEGrHy4BZFXIxoME2KykYtmwZBqVKjhR06EZLDNjFKnWQvbXgSAyPUIMupzVFQyAGIaRTCtW-2FVYgS9JQ7C6NRaxuNNz4myUChAIqfKg-2FYRmzI5by06Ws1dtc4RnXqaNVeSpWMUKv0UjA72nXciBqEYKyIQbpliW3TB2FFfQmaSgPgeIGsh8LgXo-3D)[Yes in God's Backyar](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DGKzk_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8thB5EJkseIzHGLvY9zq8aJLL24hge83d6k1E2H0Ow1bVi-2FxCgEw1gamGefYzH1UbrtepCES5pFjsHhAjFClwiHF5EHQnF8xsGioSfEygMuRPHvJgWA-2FnWfHLk4biOwcyMuNRo0tQOnBOS3Rs68Uz9rUvhcjMlF8UNbvY5OEv-2BELJGz5557jA8QjAk6Q-2BHHdHoo6h3cHpFCLuL8agQPe6vCU-3D)[d')](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DByK7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tqGiQgGKm3sElh6-2BjlXpWaMPyD1yCwPvZly63nAHASCP4DHJCywFmiz0SlNe4XRmIU6t8PsLJlq7KHlehPbNKVpZvWH30vQp7ArjCKl0w5ytCH-2Br3MLeU7LdXVrZlRAnB822lu0k8ulgwBnUts8SzIhitZTcPC-2BAHvMnzq3f6ZZNMU0rTCImBtpVBngonMIAbOgYn-2BLZs5eDs01tvhzP7BM-3D) [Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DlCZB_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tigvqCYZ7Oq1lVtu0h9bvNvGm1A4yQ9VMHcnANWmNx6LUwbqPQXHDLLkSA6zEjvU8Jlxyl2dLqQUNiC67tgvUGgBymleb0cEolFxlvjiveX0fiEas8b9cjFoyYswBTq08woYNWb94sLJpQVeSPklWxJHzuPISzSsUUO8sx4OgknyoCn1VI7HtO0v02PlmjntJb7RPVVbalO-2FD1BI0Ub34k0-3D) [Urban Land Magazine](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DgpCl_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tibevK1LRBid99vTUSGb0Ht2-2F56tvaIFYfTjRKoQRmkUuP-2FvGGOqXrXFLG-2BZKasgh7BhJhqaFx4VMCWZ8mKgOwmCIoaVAEVt08lH27JSOtuQbdXaAsfYzejDO36-2BTO17Kihcz6gOTDkFGhvpxiCLPZghHmfp0AmMH723Y8muAd-2F14ccBmVnvjjhzTWVwAiBkA-2BlWHDiItggjmbGcttgyIf8-3D) **Applying the News Story** Discuss how you and your congregation attempt to practice faithful stewardship of church resources. Explore the ways in which the development of affordable housing could be part of your local mission efforts. **The Big Questions** 1. Where do you see evidence of a NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) mindset in your community? Include zoning laws and homeowner associations in your discussion. When do you have these feelings yourself? To what projects would you say YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard)? 2. Define "affordable housing." How is working on the issue of affordable housing a way of living your faith? When and where should such efforts be a mission of the church? What concerns does such work raise, if any? 3. What kind of surplus land does your church have, if any? How do you practice faithful stewardship of your church land? Where do you see a need for affordable housing around you? How could church land and housing be "a match made in heaven" in your community? 4. What kind of housing efforts would fit the mission of your church? What partners would you need in order to be successful? 5. Bart Cochran of LEAP Housing said that churches have historically "filled the gaps in the community." Where are the gaps in your community? How can you work to fill them? What renewed sense of mission and volunteer energy might be the result of such efforts? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Isaiah 32:18***My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.* (For context, read [Isaiah 32:9-20](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxCSY2SyhDg3TF57I1A5GAgXAWxCgE2LefWsM-2FqNIlQVy4yd0ZR8e2mTsrpB9bzRcN-6Aa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tkgW7qKAPhy8SGzQEjqq0d34vOOLoiyD2sNdEE2-2FWtQSuPBYfk10564VjBnv942gnO3HUT0wMVfY9hV9mMCh8fYI-2FuXHO9aNjoh6gKMv8Ta6Q49YZvy-2B5yaASv-2BtfxiSkF-2Btka-2FuwTEAuSErkmBVZTqNTSptYjO5fpFufN-2BkQ18qUrs-2FMLfbGYsFL-2Bi7VEJOLVPDZKNj6jBJ6To5WCyCfIo-3D).) The prophet Isaiah lived in the eighth century before the birth of Christ, during the reigns of King Ahaz and possibly King Hezekiah. The first part of the book, through chapter 39, pronounces judgment and doom, while the end of the book, chapters 40 through 66, contains prophecies of hope and restoration. Chapter 32 speaks of an approaching time of destruction (vv. 10-14), followed by a peaceful future (vv. 15-20). This future will be marked by "justice" and "righteousness" (v. 16), and the "effect of righteousness will be peace" (v. 17). God says through the prophet, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." In this idyllic environment, people will enjoy peace in "secure dwellings" and "quiet resting places." > **Questions:** Why does God want his people to have secure and quiet homes? What have been the benefits of such dwellings to you? How can the church help to bring this vision of God to life? **Micah 4:3-4***He shall judge between many peoples and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.* (For context, read [Micah 4:1-4](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxeKqQUhFrz-2FxAd61loKeSNZjHXegzwN7a6HJds-2F0GXZXUVRzGxkZbkdpkE0f9SqtAJ7pp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8trljiktMShIph2vZDQ-2FPodOrB8XGHPHwX7dL5DJf1xIh-2FqwapnVYXjqC2-2Bs-2FGIQhFsJpNZih7zO0zjdsq1hLa70ylXjnI882xA2jW-2BoXuSkeI-2FtitahNh4dqV0FIgHcZp-2BN0-2BpkYCUpNG6Tvs9M6x-2FKGkXptFcY6P0cZjn8OWUSzVwNOg5cz7jhAqkShdroZtqU4WoIuMhi5VHZ5L2DL6bE-3D).) The book of Micah, named for a prophet from Moresheth in the land of Judah, begins with prophecies of doom directed toward Israel and Judah. Because the leaders of the people "abhor justice and pervert all equity," Micah says that "Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins" (3:9, 12). But the book also promises restoration. Chapter 4 begins with a vision of people from many nations going up to the mountain of the Lord, "that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths" (v. 2). On the mountain, God "shall judge between many peoples" and "they shall beat their swords into plowshares." In place of war, "they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees." The phrase "under his own vine and fig tree" is an image with deep roots in Jewish and Christian traditions. It represents peace, security and prosperity, and is often associated with the idea of owning one's own land and living a life free of fear and want. > **Questions:** What connections do you make between affordable housing and a life of peace, security and prosperity? Why does God think it is important for people to own land and "sit under their own vines"? How is the community strengthened by such a way of life? **Matthew 7:24-27***"Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell -- and great was its fall!"* (No context needed.) In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told this parable to the crowds to illustrate the importance of hearing his words and acting on them. But the story can also be taken more literally, as a lesson in how to build houses on proper foundations. Clearly, a house "founded on rock" will endure rain, floods and wind. A house built on sand will quickly wash away. > **Questions:** What is distinctive about solid housing in your community? How does it help people and support family life? Where do you see substandard housing? What problems arise when solid housing is not readily available? How can you and your congregation take on housing as a mission effort, and what would be your reasons for doing so? **2 Corinthians 9:8-9***And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad; he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."* (For context, read [2 Corinthians 9:1-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1b2Iqhhzgx9gxpBC8Q-2F4qI8DN-2FniDfTuhDlkniZJMDgu55TW_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tlJ8ux5vk79QXyzbxNtXWwoPe8MwZQQjdPI4wt-2BtLiWddAcTQ33fjiT9rysq-2Fm9BQsgaG3AipQKQzH13h8wnjmuOlsczhDtKyp8E6U1WoKpZNiiDHRQL9DQSdHeeKoO7eUJMeN6p5S8Z7T7Kfl5f-2Fny5aDmreZqc9ZxkyabYyfLhXlkdFj2ct7KOqUsmIYX0jxDxvYYY-2BmgWfd-2FzBEXdOWs-3D).) Paul's second letter to the Corinthians was written after he became estranged from this community and feared that another visit would be painful (2:1). Still, he wanted to write to them about the challenges of living in a community when there are conflicts or disagreements. One of his concerns is stewardship, and how we are to best share the resources that God entrusts to us. In chapter 9, Paul makes an appeal for the Corinthians to donate money to the followers of Christ in Jerusalem. He is not reluctant to stoke competition between different communities of faith, saying that he has been "boasting about you to the people of Macedonia" (v. 2). Paul challenges the Corinthians to cheerful giving, telling them that "God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work." God's abundance is the source of the Corinthians' abundance, and God makes it possible for them to share abundantly. He reminds them that God "scatters abroad; he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." > **Questions:** How does God's abundance show up in your life? In what ways can you respond by sharing with generosity? What would it mean for your church to do this with its property? How would work on affordable housing connect to God's pattern of being righteous and giving to the poor? **For Further Discussion** 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells writes, "I have often thought that redevelopment of unused commercial spaces into affordable housing for the working poor is sitting right before many of us, if we unite in purpose to make it happen. ... Looking at church-owned properties is certainly an idea that many could explore and is likely consistent with mission statements of many churches, caring for the needy as we use our spiritual gifts and our treasures for the good of others." Where do you see possibilities for increasing the availability of affordable housing: unused commercial spaces, church property or some other place? What would excite you about being part of such a mission? What are some legal barriers that would need to be overcome? 2. There was standing room only when residents and elected officials poured into Fairfax Baptist Church to discuss affordable housing in the City of Fairfax. TWW Team Member Henry Brinton got right to the point. "We want our elected officials and us to work on this together -- we all have a responsibility," he said. "It's for the good of everyone that we have a stock of affordable housing in the City." How is affordable housing "for the good of everyone," if at all -- individuals, families and businesses? Where do you see opportunities for individuals, churches and elected officials to work together on this issue? What are the dangers of such efforts? 3. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus wonders whether the issue of affordable housing is too large and complicated to be affected much by a few congregations helping out with land and other contributions. What else is causing decent housing to be out of financial reach for so many people? Are there, for instance, government policies that, if changed, might make a difference? And who, in the end, is benefitting from housing that's increasingly unaffordable for so many people? 4. Jesus said to a potential follower in Luke 9:58, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." What is the significance of the homelessness of Jesus, the Son of Man? What does this say to you about the importance of not becoming too attached to our homes? **Responding to the News** Make a commitment to look more deeply into the need for affordable housing in your community, and think of ways that you might become involved in the issue. Talk with fellow church members about how you might use church land to help meet this need. **Prayer** Gracious God, you are the source of every good and perfect gift. Help us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, as individuals and as congregations, and inspire us to take action to make it possible for all to know the peace and security of sitting "under their own vines and under their own fig trees." In Jesus' name. Amen. ******Copyright 2025 Communication Resources****** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=8Xt5KdogUJJLJz_LzY_Kb2izYxkOGxNZKeQl24RthwRoMDAwdTAwML1hKbtVKKVqi6UNpmhBIIBFlXALv4jjK7AOGEdPiC0Vy0vbHWXYPq5xIvv00DxY7douIOcmOZvwImyKI-Jdj4t_tHlmZ4H6FImWXAFHQkcelBbzD8scf6cD_nzxswdKdd5aOJ-nTjTORZQqStooPdjOTU-NwRzVacqDiO0feUDMgJQVNTS4O5F7cCXZiGJRGKIHj2VTr4K1R765UvvbVT6cJWDXcN5y4bhzNT6pQZP20FEbiq4q-H0OF1VAs3E7Dv4BetA_PhW1IjETKP3laim8T96NV_69NIQpjEi4LHxGUfD6syseX99DDxsW_9wlmDlFoH8IlS62znTrRzbhXJ1tuKPvNhzXTG_k9AMS3yI5ndbUj2wFF64izNlAkBcKr8R4VKtIkK_HyzkZ0Cg0Or-UD-Uj_OfeIAg76d_KKb-Oc_UqDrri4SonQw_FtwYYoxz45KltuW6tZWwzwS5yUlBcI4ujdqx3cZIUFpy04SwWNtEgTuod_GyWDUA8BxWiSdowz6QNajXJFG9kre_ncBeG1o0iHvL71PjZVvx7o8NcC6mCvHuO6ArVoDskKBWRUvEjzK7gNR7Bpdh7FMVN8wM=) <div>Dear Class Members, Across the United States, affordable housing is now being built on land owned by churches, meeting a critical need for low-income neighbors. Such innovative outreach efforts inspire us to focus this installment of The Wired Word on housing, local mission and faithful stewardship of church resources. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> 800,000 Affordable Homes Could Be Built on Church-Owned Land The Wired Word for the Week of August 10, 2025 In the News One solution to America's housing crisis is being developed in church fields, synagogue parking lots, and random parcels of land owned by religious institutions. Since home prices are currently outpacing wages in many places across the country, houses of worship are stepping in and offering their land. While congregations do not always have a lot of money, many own valuable real estate. According to News & Insights, these developments are "part of a growing national movement known as Yes in God's Backyard, or YIGBY. Positioned as a counterpoint to Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) resistance, YIGBY takes a mission-driven, community-first approach, helping religious institutions transform their underused land into desperately needed housing." The opportunity for community service is significant: Religious groups collectively own more than 2.6 million acres across the United States, and much of it is not being used to the fullest. This amount of land could support as many as 800,000 new homes. But development is not easy, since most congregations do not want to become real estate developers. Partnerships are needed, in order to turn congregational land into affordable homes. In Virginia, Fairfax Presbyterian Church is donating approximately 1.6 acres of its land for affordable homes, so that the "Glebe View Townhouses" can be built. The church is working with three housing partners: Habitat for Humanity NOVA is the developer, nonprofit Homestretch/Sacred Homes will own two of the houses, and HomeAid will provide building materials and tradesman expertise at reduced prices. At the recent groundbreaking for Glebe View, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) said he tried for 30 years to get churches to donate land for affordable housing. "God bless the Presbyterians for what they're doing," he said. "We live in the third-most-affluent congressional district in the country, as measured by median household income. But we have some of the highest housing costs in the country -- and that means affordability goes further and further out of reach for a lot of working men and women." Those, he said, who are trying to solve the problem are actually "living our faith, not just preaching about it." The Connection Newspaper reports that Glebe View "will be 10, brick-exterior, three-level townhouses, each with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus one-car garages and driveways." Community life will be enhanced by a walking path around the 8.25-acre church property, as well as a green area next to the homes with a pergola, solar pathway lights and benches. Eight of the townhouses will be sold to families earning less than the area median income. These homeowners, selected by Habitat, will work alongside other volunteers to help build their homes, and sale prices will be below market rate because the church is providing the land free of charge. The other two units will be rentals and will be sold to Homestretch for its Sacred Homes program, focused on lifting families out of poverty. "Pairing the surplus of faith properties with the deficit of affordable housing appears to be a match made in heaven," said Urban Land Magazine. The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles recently "announced the goal of building affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, refugees, and unhoused people on 25 percent of the diocese's 133 church campuses." In Idaho, hardworking families are finding that the cost of housing is really stretching their budget -- even with two jobs. "As of June 2025, a typical home in Boise would require 45.3% of the median household income to afford," said economist Jiayi Xu. That is "well above the recommended 30% benchmark." In response, real estate professional Bart Cochran has created a nonprofit called LEAP Housing, which helps congregations to convert their land into affordable homes. He quickly discovered 168 churches with more than 180 acres of underutilized land. Their first YIGBY project came together in 2021, on a quiet patch of land owned by Collister United Methodist Church in Boise. The church agreed to lease a portion of its underutilized land to LEAP for just $1 per year, on which the housing organization built two family-sized rental homes. Rent is set roughly 50% below market rate, making it genuinely affordable for working families in Boise. For Cochran, the project represents a return to the church's historic role in meeting community needs. In the past, "churches filled the gaps in the community," he said, whether it be health care or child care. LEAP Housing is helping churches "be able to meet the greatest needs of the community today, but also, in some ways, we're giving them a vision for the future,” he said. Some churches have experienced a renewed sense of mission and volunteer energy after building housing, and some have seen their membership grow as they became more embedded in their communities. "Sometimes these churches get a new mission," he said, "and that's exciting." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLvmzQvZR1VSwlctxYIkShTV-2FfkNnwt-2Fb0CXlJqQAU4JZt1mptVAd6uEdqu6RE-2FkH1sBTLMC7Mko742gkbGmpIqieaPmT01ZvpRAbjFaFG98Hs7TxFensPhZfsYcrGfkhJ3IdsOn0AQ08lw9lkKevRh-2Fyz6Eens1ALTgsKozQnPNQDCfhqYjfog-2FlOq3xWzLUHQeY-2F7KT6bHThf5Z8-2F3j0hvFXkBCGCz9hq08fcX9oQeZ1-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tiO4K-2BTzWd2WenhxH4Q3QeWVV7kCvArYgC8g-2F8Xc8bwJWDUGEOIr7K2V1xGRpDp-2FLiv3-2FfA4yvlWYhQ33xOs9l7sXBHxJAM8DS5Yp3LGj-2BdRhXi4-2FoykiDArgFzUVjf2VZy8-2BG84XZYjwL7kvP2EjcYmSOHrOL2o3IWaz8ltaBcdgUv-2BgjpZNFUGMg6yNLmYmcHqr2PHJfTC1ksSn-2BTUP00-3D">Yes in God's Backyard: More Than 800,000 Homes Could Be Built on Land Owned by Churches -- Here's How Some Are Breaking Ground on Affordable Housing. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLvmzQvZR1VSwlctxYIkShTV-2FfkNnwt-2Fb0CXlJqQAU4JZt1mptVAd6uEdqu6RE-2FkH1sBTLMC7Mko742gkbGmpIqieaPmT01ZvpRAbjFaFG98Hs7TxFensPhZfsYcrGfkhJ3IdsOn0AQ08lw9lkKevRh-2Fyz6Eens1ALTgsKozQnPNQDCfhqYjfog-2FlOq3xWzLUHQeY-2F7KT6bHThf5Z8-2F3j0hvFXkBCGCz9hq08fcX9oQyM2O\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tqK98U1C2-2BphM5ebsJLM4hSoNNk6CsF5JXMI3uaWZOecM1T97YhYTp-2F2b5KOuUP30-2FjvNNDTNgLfAIzUWkh78NIGn8r47X-2F9IGLtCGufzZRwPk-2FZz7IIwReVWSDA-2BtjYsPDnezK9RoIQKBvvJSxIQOzMMtEHuYhsgJzRBb08kobcci3vg2eBr7sMSQOMP5yZR8eOuagOk9Ai50ib9aIDj-2BY-3D">News & Insights</a> '<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DWuC9\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tuMrrgly89zMYJ-2B7OoqOlFNVXEF-2F5ICPIHxfYP9cc0CKyNPA9zkAiogUhZtFyi7lJ9y67zQ0HRG2tjE12AZ-2BONioRvZtoNHEQ5zmkXXA-2Bg8DMH-2B4ZDZwyBvRgueKAIG8aNw1KhQn4RayL-2Fro-2BKSHdULN7pbBYfEhexbKOpvsWSC0FgXDfyM1jaFiz8AEkQMyW-2FRowzlyEkVELKxc6LwnJ9k-3D">A Joyous Day Filled </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DGZj3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tmR-2FTt9Zvh8slOgtwE3FI0lQvGHFfpyVEFNM9vnO0carSf6ZApQPGFO7IoLDaBShQKT-2FJNMFYIXNKBwORp-2FiMW4p0XS7VM4yLLz4YaxTMIYWufn-2FHj6oHhr7g89rpXJ2cDJ1AM-2FeK31UQJ3RkoMVni99IP4Wo0hfoepxZWWl9nFG2xzR7jcozcXT16vV2Zj7Z9fWql2Ucl968QpRUV5L28g-3D">Wi</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DuoJ3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tpWUcxH-2FL2Vyd9sqd86zvGsAuVuvjjmbhNNRSB6BI6kTrudYe9r0zCOzF6mcI7ZgjIOsnamcze7TNsWjlE-2F99kJzvcR6myNxKfUzpHI1pabcH8QidVwAF2vuMPCwfgavv3kfIjeNowj3O6xRoGD6b7Fln1w2M18INsz47ZGcGpPtNlK213temE-2B8etKp5KlH1nxMI-2Fpam6z27tlpoUgQg-2F4-3D">th Hope, Progress and Possibility' </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG3hAK-2B8T2s-2FLK7f9vwASER8Q2PDVSZXySY-2FpUdCB54UyVYt-2B73pb6EV1yNhG76cf2Ya0xfvX9OTXQQlQNYLpQKLj30bGq8tTQf6gvUhKkymsshmSd1TN1sPKqkQC2jN3g-3D-3DTsUo\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tvPsizw5shhetFolpD1frloRZYDyRu4JEmACbV5FKdwbkClneghHzgRyY-2F33qfIeQ3wzoSgY5jWJYZ9aLg7HIntRJm9wUnENT-2Fpr-2BltINZO9nRE-2BChPgLrSbFiS5MQKn1BISHmuA6bcZHVgNAh2x1-2FkLWGLCa0fZA0jfv1lDdf0E-2Fyb8WU8BYHcyrRLP1HKqV3iRT4NlNXwy6SzCyAmVvZ8-3D">CentreView</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIusiJo-2BQvB-2BExIcQwpYeqQxP2j4zDepNK46C4-2BT-2F1NOUuMMDgLmZ-2BT-2BVSww-2F7TEDIxod-2BINDv8elAQre43TFTdbI-2FkWaPGwaquylaG-2FbTEl42GMbmetCrHkFpfFyan2Hg-3D-3D2bNF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tgHRu4pUR01yL31ERaEZ8F4eHyPCb47T1Lc-2B3DTx6u0PRkBoQ6cphu8A-2BdU-2FnYMrGooJ6ANApszCKsaUhj9e4Z8alXRVW-2Bm-2Fqb4MVdaJZseLqYB-2BcNa6Hxu6NHQwzzZP9xz1if-2FzSIXYRrONASaiaZ3p2eEYRd9zPWf8pkK4egM4k-2B47xUdsbiCydgTWHY-2FBUNL1QnTw4i-2Bhy3PZshDqvwQ-3D">Glebe View Townhouse Project at a Glance. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIusiJo-2BQvB-2BExIcQwpYeqQxP2j4zDepNK46C4-2BT-2F1NOUuMMDgLmZ-2BT-2BVSww-2F7TEDIxod-2BINDv8elAQre43TFTdbI-2FkWaPGwaquylaG-2FbTEl42GMbmetCrHkFpfFyan2Hg-3D-3DqlAK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8trJML499MUfycjJNUKBrnnj5b8XQi1ZPPAU6irzayBafLc-2BxGcLbCr3uACNDfdQqlKwL-2FU3OBKQaP9orC0ixX-2FEd6r04E1ReaOjvD9sxtd7ULkAObpJk5RinONswSDlTwf-2BYQdb3XWJ7NmND-2FOm76C7hZhL-2FdD6JEjDTR-2FV-2BP7eSaA3EiFgxH5K9qAnUqqTpWn6mMJj9FHFW3Qwsu9OFbE0-3D">The Connection Newspaper</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DI\_JP\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tn3Di9Hc1w-2Beabb1rom5VW9KNbtIGrab48g8He-2Bz7of7uZiL-2Bb0TmJ49wc32IrB0MaHgepsymXrC7jqz0ujjrGf7Xtms1yHdCOT3gVmlByMdGbFXtukfJI1KznfK7nHhwzJt2T89Bw7O8eSaXKdfpjauAXj53WnBAuBy3OUqKq2MifpV-2FdD6VVrz-2Bk-2FHBQDQEwvS1BuvwOHexNaQp1avFO0-3D">Affordable Housing: YIGBY </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DNavj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8ttOBxFZizV86-2Fn2Q-2FU7m1VnIZdLI2mGBTEGrHy4BZFXIxoME2KykYtmwZBqVKjhR06EZLDNjFKnWQvbXgSAyPUIMupzVFQyAGIaRTCtW-2FVYgS9JQ7C6NRaxuNNz4myUChAIqfKg-2FYRmzI5by06Ws1dtc4RnXqaNVeSpWMUKv0UjA72nXciBqEYKyIQbpliW3TB2FFfQmaSgPgeIGsh8LgXo-3D">('</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DGKzk\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8thB5EJkseIzHGLvY9zq8aJLL24hge83d6k1E2H0Ow1bVi-2FxCgEw1gamGefYzH1UbrtepCES5pFjsHhAjFClwiHF5EHQnF8xsGioSfEygMuRPHvJgWA-2FnWfHLk4biOwcyMuNRo0tQOnBOS3Rs68Uz9rUvhcjMlF8UNbvY5OEv-2BELJGz5557jA8QjAk6Q-2BHHdHoo6h3cHpFCLuL8agQPe6vCU-3D">Yes in God's Backyar</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DByK7\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tqGiQgGKm3sElh6-2BjlXpWaMPyD1yCwPvZly63nAHASCP4DHJCywFmiz0SlNe4XRmIU6t8PsLJlq7KHlehPbNKVpZvWH30vQp7ArjCKl0w5ytCH-2Br3MLeU7LdXVrZlRAnB822lu0k8ulgwBnUts8SzIhitZTcPC-2BAHvMnzq3f6ZZNMU0rTCImBtpVBngonMIAbOgYn-2BLZs5eDs01tvhzP7BM-3D">d') </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DlCZB\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tigvqCYZ7Oq1lVtu0h9bvNvGm1A4yQ9VMHcnANWmNx6LUwbqPQXHDLLkSA6zEjvU8Jlxyl2dLqQUNiC67tgvUGgBymleb0cEolFxlvjiveX0fiEas8b9cjFoyYswBTq08woYNWb94sLJpQVeSPklWxJHzuPISzSsUUO8sx4OgknyoCn1VI7HtO0v02PlmjntJb7RPVVbalO-2FD1BI0Ub34k0-3D">Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIYzPy4zbvA7P9Hn8AtgiRJ7jFsCYTqC7v5aPfEm6HVmVZ1O1ureiNzIH05r00xwvEzkTNxRe4awrUB4YWw5ZGkb8tlgHoRkTKgZ0UIa8IYXQOTAoYxhuvKrp6lW-2BzAQB5AJc3DDJj2cuS42wfjdtNwQfORX7OjJGry5u8rUNkVCG1hc41QvkrrFeodkEqVyz0fu0eR6mqDljmVKXOT0nww-3DgpCl\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tibevK1LRBid99vTUSGb0Ht2-2F56tvaIFYfTjRKoQRmkUuP-2FvGGOqXrXFLG-2BZKasgh7BhJhqaFx4VMCWZ8mKgOwmCIoaVAEVt08lH27JSOtuQbdXaAsfYzejDO36-2BTO17Kihcz6gOTDkFGhvpxiCLPZghHmfp0AmMH723Y8muAd-2F14ccBmVnvjjhzTWVwAiBkA-2BlWHDiItggjmbGcttgyIf8-3D">Urban Land Magazine</a> Applying the News Story Discuss how you and your congregation attempt to practice faithful stewardship of church resources. Explore the ways in which the development of affordable housing could be part of your local mission efforts. The Big Questions 1. Where do you see evidence of a NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) mindset in your community? Include zoning laws and homeowner associations in your discussion. When do you have these feelings yourself? To what projects would you say YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard)? 2. Define "affordable housing." How is working on the issue of affordable housing a way of living your faith? When and where should such efforts be a mission of the church? What concerns does such work raise, if any? 3. What kind of surplus land does your church have, if any? How do you practice faithful stewardship of your church land? Where do you see a need for affordable housing around you? How could church land and housing be "a match made in heaven" in your community? 4. What kind of housing efforts would fit the mission of your church? What partners would you need in order to be successful? 5. Bart Cochran of LEAP Housing said that churches have historically "filled the gaps in the community." Where are the gaps in your community? How can you work to fill them? What renewed sense of mission and volunteer energy might be the result of such efforts? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Isaiah 32:18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxCSY2SyhDg3TF57I1A5GAgXAWxCgE2LefWsM-2FqNIlQVy4yd0ZR8e2mTsrpB9bzRcN-6Aa\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tkgW7qKAPhy8SGzQEjqq0d34vOOLoiyD2sNdEE2-2FWtQSuPBYfk10564VjBnv942gnO3HUT0wMVfY9hV9mMCh8fYI-2FuXHO9aNjoh6gKMv8Ta6Q49YZvy-2B5yaASv-2BtfxiSkF-2Btka-2FuwTEAuSErkmBVZTqNTSptYjO5fpFufN-2BkQ18qUrs-2FMLfbGYsFL-2Bi7VEJOLVPDZKNj6jBJ6To5WCyCfIo-3D">Isaiah 32:9-20</a>.) The prophet Isaiah lived in the eighth century before the birth of Christ, during the reigns of King Ahaz and possibly King Hezekiah. The first part of the book, through chapter 39, pronounces judgment and doom, while the end of the book, chapters 40 through 66, contains prophecies of hope and restoration. Chapter 32 speaks of an approaching time of destruction (vv. 10-14), followed by a peaceful future (vv. 15-20). This future will be marked by "justice" and "righteousness" (v. 16), and the "effect of righteousness will be peace" (v. 17). God says through the prophet, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." In this idyllic environment, people will enjoy peace in "secure dwellings" and "quiet resting places." <blockquote> Questions: Why does God want his people to have secure and quiet homes? What have been the benefits of such dwellings to you? How can the church help to bring this vision of God to life? </blockquote> Micah 4:3-4 He shall judge between many peoples and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxeKqQUhFrz-2FxAd61loKeSNZjHXegzwN7a6HJds-2F0GXZXUVRzGxkZbkdpkE0f9SqtAJ7pp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8trljiktMShIph2vZDQ-2FPodOrB8XGHPHwX7dL5DJf1xIh-2FqwapnVYXjqC2-2Bs-2FGIQhFsJpNZih7zO0zjdsq1hLa70ylXjnI882xA2jW-2BoXuSkeI-2FtitahNh4dqV0FIgHcZp-2BN0-2BpkYCUpNG6Tvs9M6x-2FKGkXptFcY6P0cZjn8OWUSzVwNOg5cz7jhAqkShdroZtqU4WoIuMhi5VHZ5L2DL6bE-3D">Micah 4:1-4</a>.) The book of Micah, named for a prophet from Moresheth in the land of Judah, begins with prophecies of doom directed toward Israel and Judah. Because the leaders of the people "abhor justice and pervert all equity," Micah says that "Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins" (3:9, 12). But the book also promises restoration. Chapter 4 begins with a vision of people from many nations going up to the mountain of the Lord, "that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths" (v. 2). On the mountain, God "shall judge between many peoples" and "they shall beat their swords into plowshares." In place of war, "they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees." The phrase "under his own vine and fig tree" is an image with deep roots in Jewish and Christian traditions. It represents peace, security and prosperity, and is often associated with the idea of owning one's own land and living a life free of fear and want. <blockquote> Questions: What connections do you make between affordable housing and a life of peace, security and prosperity? Why does God think it is important for people to own land and "sit under their own vines"? How is the community strengthened by such a way of life? </blockquote> Matthew 7:24-27 "Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell -- and great was its fall!" (No context needed.) In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told this parable to the crowds to illustrate the importance of hearing his words and acting on them. But the story can also be taken more literally, as a lesson in how to build houses on proper foundations. Clearly, a house "founded on rock" will endure rain, floods and wind. A house built on sand will quickly wash away. <blockquote> Questions: What is distinctive about solid housing in your community? How does it help people and support family life? Where do you see substandard housing? What problems arise when solid housing is not readily available? How can you and your congregation take on housing as a mission effort, and what would be your reasons for doing so? </blockquote> 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad; he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1b2Iqhhzgx9gxpBC8Q-2F4qI8DN-2FniDfTuhDlkniZJMDgu55TW\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSRqeHVcOowFlXkhY1gyOK-2F6CvUE9bLXXN32OrX-2F4vNM3rxfYFb46uPUl52EMgT8tlJ8ux5vk79QXyzbxNtXWwoPe8MwZQQjdPI4wt-2BtLiWddAcTQ33fjiT9rysq-2Fm9BQsgaG3AipQKQzH13h8wnjmuOlsczhDtKyp8E6U1WoKpZNiiDHRQL9DQSdHeeKoO7eUJMeN6p5S8Z7T7Kfl5f-2Fny5aDmreZqc9ZxkyabYyfLhXlkdFj2ct7KOqUsmIYX0jxDxvYYY-2BmgWfd-2FzBEXdOWs-3D">2 Corinthians 9:1-15</a>.) Paul's second letter to the Corinthians was written after he became estranged from this community and feared that another visit would be painful (2:1). Still, he wanted to write to them about the challenges of living in a community when there are conflicts or disagreements. One of his concerns is stewardship, and how we are to best share the resources that God entrusts to us. In chapter 9, Paul makes an appeal for the Corinthians to donate money to the followers of Christ in Jerusalem. He is not reluctant to stoke competition between different communities of faith, saying that he has been "boasting about you to the people of Macedonia" (v. 2). Paul challenges the Corinthians to cheerful giving, telling them that "God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work." God's abundance is the source of the Corinthians' abundance, and God makes it possible for them to share abundantly. He reminds them that God "scatters abroad; he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." <blockquote> Questions: How does God's abundance show up in your life? In what ways can you respond by sharing with generosity? What would it mean for your church to do this with its property? How would work on affordable housing connect to God's pattern of being righteous and giving to the poor? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells writes, "I have often thought that redevelopment of unused commercial spaces into affordable housing for the working poor is sitting right before many of us, if we unite in purpose to make it happen. ... Looking at church-owned properties is certainly an idea that many could explore and is likely consistent with mission statements of many churches, caring for the needy as we use our spiritual gifts and our treasures for the good of others." Where do you see possibilities for increasing the availability of affordable housing: unused commercial spaces, church property or some other place? What would excite you about being part of such a mission? What are some legal barriers that would need to be overcome? 2. There was standing room only when residents and elected officials poured into Fairfax Baptist Church to discuss affordable housing in the City of Fairfax. TWW Team Member Henry Brinton got right to the point. "We want our elected officials and us to work on this together -- we all have a responsibility," he said. "It's for the good of everyone that we have a stock of affordable housing in the City." How is affordable housing "for the good of everyone," if at all -- individuals, families and businesses? Where do you see opportunities for individuals, churches and elected officials to work together on this issue? What are the dangers of such efforts? 3. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus wonders whether the issue of affordable housing is too large and complicated to be affected much by a few congregations helping out with land and other contributions. What else is causing decent housing to be out of financial reach for so many people? Are there, for instance, government policies that, if changed, might make a difference? And who, in the end, is benefitting from housing that's increasingly unaffordable for so many people? 4. Jesus said to a potential follower in Luke 9:58, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." What is the significance of the homelessness of Jesus, the Son of Man? What does this say to you about the importance of not becoming too attached to our homes? Responding to the News Make a commitment to look more deeply into the need for affordable housing in your community, and think of ways that you might become involved in the issue. Talk with fellow church members about how you might use church land to help meet this need. Prayer Gracious God, you are the source of every good and perfect gift. Help us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, as individuals and as congregations, and inspire us to take action to make it possible for all to know the peace and security of sitting "under their own vines and under their own fig trees." In Jesus' name. Amen. 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