Community Housing on Faith Lands

Historically, churches played a key role in providing land for housing, rooted in their social mission to support vulnerable populations. Today, many of Canada’s religious buildings—up to 9,000 of 27,000—face closure, with 4,000 likely to be repurposed or sold. Converting these underused spaces into affordable housing could help address the country’s housing crisis, potentially supporting 100,000 households.

What are the Project Objectives?

This project seeks to develop a model of best practice aimed at developing community housing on faith lands. There are five main objectives:

• identify underutilized, large, or speculative lands and buildings owned by faith-based organizations;

• develop business cases for the conversion of these lands and buildings into affordable housing;

• work with these faith-based organizations, local governments, and community organizations in the case study regions;

• provide technical support and connections to industry for the case study locations to be developed into affordable housing; and

• develop a model of best practice to be rolled out on a national level. 

What are the opportunities?

• Churches often own large, accessible lots and speculative land but lack development expertise.

• Many are struggling financially post-pandemic and are open to partnerships.

• Leveraging church networks and linking them with community housing providers and government land acquisition programs presents a promising opportunity to scale housing for low-income and vulnerable groups—offering not just shelter, but also a sense of community and belonging.