In December 2022 we held a Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit with NYC Mayor Eric Adams, the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, and the Mayor's Working Group on Faith-Based Affordable Housing & Community Development, chaired by our Executive Director, Kate Toth.
This Summit discussed the Action Plan developed by the Working Group on Faith-Based Affordable Housing & Community Development, which presents concrete solutions and policy recommendations that would allow faith properties to develop affordable housing on their properties, supporting the City and their communities in meeting this crisis.
New York City faces a homelessness and affordable housing crisis. The faith community is uniquely well positioned to play a substantial role partnering with the City to respond to this crisis.
There are more than 5,600 religious properties in NYC’s five boroughs, with lively congregations from and serving their communities. Even with the current obstacles and lack of support identified in the Action Plan, faith-based organizations currently provide 40 percent of the vital human services in NYC.
Joined by dozens of expert panelists and hundreds of attendees, the Summit had panels on many topics including, affordable housing, landmarks, and air rights – all discussing how to mobilize support for utilizing faith-properties and supporting faith communities, so faith communities can continue to support their communities!
If you missed the Summit, be sure to tune in and watch the full event here.
Thank you to all of the panelists, attendees, working group members, Pastor Monrose and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships for planning this event, and Trinity Church Wall Street for hosting.
Let's keep up this momentum! Want to get involved with the Working Group’s next steps? Email us at info@bricksandmortals.org.
