Faith Leaders Offer Space for Affordable Apartments

Some say politics and religion should never mix, but when it comes to converting underutilized church spaces into attainable housing this blending takes center stage. 

‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ is a growing movement among policy wonks, faith leaders, and affordable housing advocates. Right here in Montgomery County, there are at least two active proposals to use church property to further the institutions' social mission. Last week in Upper Merion Township, the local zoning hearing board unanimously approved a pair of variances that will allow Valley Forge Presbyterian Pastor Tim Dooner’s vision for 20 affordable one and two bedroom apartments to move forward to the next step in the township’s approval process. 

He told The Reporter’s Rachel Ravina, “It’s certainly [a] relief, and we see this not as a win for us, but for the community we’re hoping to serve.” 

Dooner continued, “That’s been our goal all along is just to use what we have to the best of our ability to help as many folks as possible, and years ago we said we’d love to figure out how to make this dream happen knowing that housing is at the top of the list of obstacles for so many seniors, singles, families. It just felt like the biggest impact we could make for good in the community with the held asset.”

Valley Forge Presbyterian is looking to convert the church’s Christian Education building into 20 apartment units for individuals and families struggling to find affordable housing. The church has already secured $5 million in grant funding and is on track to begin renovations by mid-2025. However, it could be a year before shovels are in the ground, according to testimony last week. 

Elsewhere at Royersford Baptist Church in Upper Providence Township, Pastor Sarah Strosahl-Kagi also wants to be part of the solution by adding 42 to 48 homes – consisting of one to three bedroom apartments – on 4.5 acres zoned R2 at 452 S. Lewis Road. No formal action or vote from the planning commission took place on Cypress Place at Royersford during a hearing last August. However, zoning relief will be required for project approval. 

Pastor Sarah Strosahl-Kagi engaged with neighborhood groups well before any public meetings.

Strosahl-Kagi is dedicated to turning NIMBY on its head. 

“I say ‘not in my backyard’ to hunger… ‘Not in my backyard’ to increased homelessness. And I say ‘not in my backyard’ to one more person forced to choose between groceries and paying rent,” Strosahl-Kagi said during last summer’s hearing. 

Stay tuned for future updates on these promising proposals.