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Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit
Last month on March 13th we hosted the Second Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit in partnership with The Mayor's Working Group for Faith-Based Affordable Housing and Community Development and the NYC Center for Faith and Community Partnerships.
Hundreds were in attendance including faith-based organizations, public sector representatives, faith leaders, and housing experts to address the critical issue of developing affordable housing on faith properties. Thank you to all who attended, participated, and supported this event. We are so proud to be part of a community that is committed to addressing the housing crisis.
Read the recap and watch the full event video.
Call for Working Group Members!
Are you interested in making it easier for faith institutions to develop affordable housing in NYC?
Are you in the faith or real estate community and have seen first hand how much faith institutions do for New Yorkers, the difficulties they’re facing, and want to do something about it?
Join the Working Group on Faith Based Affordable Housing and Community Development commissioned by Mayor Adams!
Complete this form to join us.
Housing Policy
Governor Hochul recently announced a "conceptual framework" agreement with the State Legislature on the budget and other issues.
Note: This section has been amended for accuracy.
Affordable Housing
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on the $40 million Mt. Hope Plaza, an affordable housing development in White Plains for seniors. In partnership with Mt. Hope African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Community Housing Innovations, this development will provide 56 affordable apartments, including 20 for seniors needing supportive services.
April 12th was the grand opening of CPC One, a mixed-use development at 45 Suffolk Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side. CPC One includes three floors for CPC's Manhattan Community Center, over 200 units of affordable housing, and integrates the cultural heritage center of the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue. The project was funded by the New York State Housing Finance Agency, Goldman Sachs, and the New York Housing Preservation Department.
In Arlington, Virginia, Central United Methodist Church partnered with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing to create affordable rental units. The church, a historic landmark, transformed its property into a mixed-use development that includes 144 affordable housing apartments, an expanded preschool, and a new sanctuary.
Different Ways to Practice
At the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, Rabbi Josh Franklin delivers a sermon entirely written by artificial intelligence, becoming the first Jewish leader to do so. The AI-written sermon, focused on the Torah portion Vayiggash, surprised congregants who initially speculated about its authorship, including other rabbis and even the late Lord Rabbi Sacks. Rabbi Franklin revealed the sermon's AI origin to the congregation, sparking a discussion about the capabilities and limitations of AI in spiritual leadership. While acknowledging AI's impressive abilities, Rabbi Franklin says, "Being a rabbi is not about what I have to say on any given subject, it's about addressing the community's spiritual needs, which AI can't do yet."
Mainline Protestant denominations are facing a clergy crisis with many congregations resorting to selling assets to sustain full-time clergy experiencing burnout. Part-time ministry offers a viable solution, as evidenced by happier and healthier part-time clergy who are more committed to their roles. The shift to part-time ministry has been beneficial, with part-timers reporting higher overall wellness and satisfaction compared to their full-time counterparts.
At the Community Church of New York UU, dance liturgy has become a monthly feature since December 2022, enriching the congregation's worship experience. Led by the Omega Dance Company, the dance elements are integrated into the service, engaging congregants in meditation, reflection, and communal movements.
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