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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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6

Churches Put Faith in Housing Biz

More launch own programs to provide affordable homes

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(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.

Church-funded housing developments are sprouting up around the country as churches seek to diversify their income and provide affordable housing.
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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6 comments
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kokuaguy
Aug 8, 09 12:05 PM CDT
Clearly no good Republican would be a part of this un-Amreican, socialiatic enterprise. I suspect ties to Hugo Chavez and the Castro brothers. Reply
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AmExpat
Aug 8, 09 2:16 PM CDT
I'm laughing at your remark, Kokuaguy. Most Republicans object to 'government funds' being used, not 'private funds'. Grass-roots Repubs push for this sort of thing. (Something to chew on: Even studies have shown that Republicans are even more charitable givers than Democrats.)
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IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Aug 8, 09 3:46 PM CDT
AmExpat, care to provide said studies?
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kokuaguy
Aug 8, 09 2:21 PM CDT
OK, you got me. Some of my best friends are Republicans. (The GOP in Hawaii would never go for a Palin type.) Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
AmExpat
Aug 8, 09 2:39 PM CDT
I know many Republicans who would never vote for her either... that's why all the publicity for her is perplexing. Of course, the Repubs I know are intelligent & Sarah Palin gives off the opposite vibe :)
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+3

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