Churches as Pillars of the Community: Leveraging land for local worker housing

The housing crisis is well documented in North Idaho. In response, The Housing Solutions Partnership is continuing to build a local ToolKit with innovative solutions, including considering the repurposing of church land for local worker housing. This approach offers a unique opportunity to address both the housing shortage and the broader mission of many religious institutions.

Churches often possess landholdings, including underutilized parking lots, vacant rectories or even expansive grounds. By leveraging their property, churches can directly impact the lives of their congregants and neighbors while fulfilling their core mission of serving the community.

Several models for utilizing church land for housing are available. One approach involves partnering with housing developers or nonprofit organizations to construct or repurpose structures on church property. These partnerships can provide the expertise and resources necessary to navigate complex development processes while ensuring that the project aligns with the church's goals.

Another option is for churches to develop low-cost housing independently. This can empower congregations to take a direct role in addressing the housing crisis within their community. However, it requires careful planning, financial resources and, potentially, specialized knowledge.

The benefits extend beyond providing much-needed homes. It can revitalize neighborhoods, strengthen community bonds and create opportunities for intergenerational interaction. Additionally, it can generate revenue for the church, which can be used to support its ministries and programs.

Of course, challenges and considerations must be addressed. Zoning regulations, financing and community opposition can pose obstacles. However, with careful planning and collaboration, these challenges can be overcome.

Several Idaho churches have taken advantage of this option. One notable example is the "Yes in God's Backyard" initiative led by LEAP Housing, a Boise-based nonprofit. This program encourages churches to utilize underutilized land for affordable housing development.

The Lakeview Church of the Nazarene in Nampa donated a plot of land to LEAP to build a single-family home. Similarly, the Collister United Methodist Church in Boise partnered with LEAP to construct two affordable rental units on its property.

As the housing crisis continues to deepen, the role of churches in providing affordable housing is becoming increasingly more valuable. By leveraging their land and resources, churches can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need while strengthening their position as pillars of the community. More details on this ToolKit solution item will be added to Housingni.org in the coming months. 

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Kiki Miller is a Coeur d’Alene City Council member and founding member of the Housing Solutions Partnership.