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A new faith-rooted affordable housing community is taking shape in Richmond’s Northside. Saint Elizabeth Apartments, developed by Commonwealth Catholic Charities Housing Corporation (CCCHC), will provide 56 modern rental homes for low-income families while honoring the history and architectural character of the neighborhood.

Formed through the merger of three congregations during the pandemic, St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church is now discerning how to best steward its two campuses. In partnership with VEREP, the church is exploring income-generating uses and mission-aligned partnerships to make faithful and sustainable use of its buildings.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in eastern Prince William County is entering a period of transition as it faces changing space needs and shifting financial realities. With the departure of a long-term tenant and an oversized campus that no longer meets its current needs, the congregation is beginning to explore a range of future options in partnership with the Diocese and surrounding properties.

A brand-new resource is now available to help churches and faith-based organizations take their first steps toward affordable housing development. The Toolkit for Faith-Based Organizations, created by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) with support from HUD, offers clear, practical guidance for congregations discerning how their land and buildings might serve their communities in new ways.

Faith communities across Virginia could soon have new support for building affordable housing on their properties. A proposed federal bill, the Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Act, would provide funding and reduce barriers for congregations seeking to use church land for housing development.

A major redevelopment project in Arlington has reached completion as Kinhaven Preschool returns to Ballston, reopening in a new space created through the redevelopment of Central United Methodist Church. The project highlights how church property can be transformed to serve both congregations and community needs.

As congregations face changing attendance patterns and underutilized property, many are discovering new ways to live out the Gospel through “holy hospitality.” A recent reflection by Lisa G. Fischbeck, published by ECF Vital Practices, highlights creative models across the country where churches are reimagining land and buildings to address housing insecurity.

Across the Washington, DC metro area, churches are rethinking how their buildings and land can serve both their members and the wider community. In a recent article from Baptist News Global, reporter Jeff Brumley explores how several congregations are selling, building, and renovating property to better align their resources with ministry needs.

With support from Virginia Housing, VEREP is expanding outreach efforts to help congregations explore mission-focused property use.

VEREP is creating a GIS database to give congregations powerful tools for mission-based property decisions.

Hickory Neck Episcopal Church is actively reimagining how to use its 12-acre campus for mission and ministry.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is discerning new ways to use its property, including a vacant school on campus.

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church is working with VEREP to assess its property and explore options for childcare use.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is preparing for significant upgrades to its facilities through a renovation plan and fundraising campaign.

Explore real-life case studies from the Virginia Interfaith Center’s report, A Match Made in Heaven, highlighting how faith communities are addressing affordable housing needs across Virginia.

St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County is proposing the “City of Possibility,” a 321-acre mixed-use development with housing, businesses, urban farms, and green space—designed to model how churches can shape thriving communities.

Shared by The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia by Communications Team | August 9, 2025 Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners (VEREP) has received two new grants from Virginia Housing.

With deep roots dating back to 1667, St. Paul’s King George is planning boldly for the future through its SPC2100 initiative. Backed by a feasibility study funded by Trinity NYC, the church is exploring creative ways to expand its ministries and community presence, including plans for a recreation center, thrift shop, coffee shop, school, and more.

hrist Ascension Episcopal Church in Richmond is working with VEREP and Virginia Housing funding to explore the future of its 1.8-acre property. Through a feasibility study, the congregation is assessing title restrictions, redevelopment potential, and options for affordable housing while remaining committed to worship and mission in the community.

St. Paul’s on the Hill in Winchester, VA transformed its property and legacy into a mission-driven affordable housing project. Partnering with Wesley Housing Development Corporation and Virginia Diocesan Homes, the congregation created Senseny Place, a 63-unit community for low-income seniors, choosing to prioritize housing ministry even over rebuilding their church building.