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Affordable Housing
Two key City Council committees approved Mayor Adams’ ‘City of Yes’ housing initiative with $5 billion committed to City Council priorities. The plan's estimated housing creation over 15 years was reduced from 109,000 to 80,000 units. Negotiations led to some changes, read more about them here. Advocates held community events to help push the initiative through legislative hurdles. The full Council vote is expected on Dec. 5.
In New Jersey, a comprehensive how-to guide has been released to help residents navigate the often-overwhelming affordable housing system. It includes step-by-step advice on understanding eligibility, applying for housing, and avoiding common pitfalls in the process.
Strengthening Communities
In moments of need, ordinary people often step up in extraordinary ways.
A small town recently demonstrated the power of collective action when neighbors united to support one another during a natural disaster. From organizing food drives to offering shelter, the Scottsville Church of Christ in Scottsville, KY is using ministry to help community members.
In Fremont, Michigan, Reeman Christian Reformed Church is providing compassionate care for elders, highlighting the importance of intergenerational relationships. In 2016 the congregation opened Wellspring Adult Day Care to help those who need a place to go during the day to alleviate pressure on caregivers.
Religious Diversity
The stretch of New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, known as the "Highway to Heaven," is a hub of religious diversity, featuring numerous houses of worship representing faiths such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and more. Montgomery County, where it’s located, is considered the most religiously diverse county in the U.S., a reflection of its ethnic and racial diversity, according to the Public Religion Research Institute. This close proximity fosters interfaith cooperation, such as churches hosting displaced congregations or mosques partnering with neighboring communities for social services.
Development and Real Estate
Across the country, Black churches are emerging as pivotal players in urban renewal. In Rochester, New York, several churches are creating affordable housing projects and community hubs, helping to rebuild neighborhoods that have suffered from decades of disinvestment.
In San Antonio, a Lutheran congregation is transforming its property into a vibrant neighborhood plaza. The project includes community gardens, small businesses, and spaces for local events.
In Manhattan, a church recently sold its property on East 35th Street to fund future initiatives and adapt to the changing urban landscape.
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