What Would Jesus Do? Tackle the Housing Crisis, Say Some Congregations.
April 27, 2024 by Many cities marred by the affordable housing crisis are turning to Churches who are happily willing to alleviate the problem. Led by California, cities and states are increasingly turning to so-called YIGBY bills — short for “Yes in God’s Backyard” — to expand their supply of affordable housing. Faith organizations are often on prime urban land that sits smack in the middle of residential neighborhoods. Next year, First United Methodist CHurch in Los Angeles will begin construction on 60 studio apartments that will supplant their empty buildings behind its chapel.