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Churches Put Faith in Housing Biz

More launch own programs to provide affordable homes

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2009 10:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Churches that have long called for an increase in affordable housing have started taking matters into their own hands, the Washington Post reports: A growing number of them have launched their own housing projects, partnering with developers to build whole communities. Their weekly flow of donations allows them to qualify for financing, and the resulting real estate revenue diversifies church income and helps underwrite community programs like food banks.

The church developments are open to all, but are generally located close enough for parishioners who move in to walk to church. "We've always wanted to serve the whole man," says the pastor of a church that has just opened a 270-unit independent-living facility for seniors, complete with chapel. Churches acknowledge that the real estate industry is a risky one, but projects are continuing in the faith that the market will soon turn around.

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Church-funded housing developments are sprouting up around the country as churches seek to diversify their income and provide affordable housing. (Shutter Stock)

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You have to be savvy in how to pay for extended ministries. How do you offer substance abuse programs, food banks and other programs without reliable funding? - Terry Lynch, director of a consortium
of 43 DC-area churches and synagogues

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Churches Put Faith in Housing Biz