Case Studies

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.

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.

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.

Iglesia Santa Maria in Fairfax County is exploring how its underused land can serve its growing Latino congregation and the surrounding community. With VEREP’s guidance, support from St. Mary’s Church in Arlington, and funding from Trinity NYC, the parish is undertaking a feasibility study to assess the viability of building affordable housing while preserving its vital ministries and community partnerships.

As its neighborhood transformed from suburban to urban, Trinity Episcopal Church in Arlington faced new challenges in parking, attendance, and financial stability. With support from a Virginia Housing pre-planning grant through VEREP, the church is exploring redevelopment options that align with its mission, address community needs, and ensure long-term sustainability.

In 2024, Epiphany Episcopal Church in Oak Hill (Herndon) undertook a thoughtful process to reimagine its preschool ministry. Facing declining enrollment, staffing challenges, and financial strain, the parish engaged in structured discernment with outside support. The result was a new model for preschool partnership that strengthened the parish’s finances, maintained its ministry identity, and fostered meaningful connections with preschool families.

St. Paul’s Memorial Church in Charlottesville is addressing aging facilities and growing repair needs through a bold redevelopment plan. With guidance from parishioner input and a partnership with the UVA Foundation, St. Paul’s aims to restore its historic sanctuary, build new parish spaces, and lease office space to support its long-term mission to the University of Virginia community.

St. James United Methodist Church in Alexandria turned a challenging decision about its property into an opportunity to both support affordable housing and expand its ministries.

Central United Methodist Church (CUMC) in Ballston, Arlington, transformed its historic property into a new church facility and 144 affordable housing units through faith, persistence, and partnership.

Fairlington Presbyterian partnered with Wesley Housing to turn part of its parking lot into 81 affordable homes—while keeping its campus and mission thriving.

Faced with financial instability and an aging facility, Church of the Resurrection in Alexandria paused its rector search to engage in deep discernment. What emerged was a bold, Spirit-led decision to lease church land for affordable housing—and in doing so, build a new sanctuary, strengthen their mission, and live more fully into their name.

Facing crumbling infrastructure and rising costs, St. Paul’s Memorial Church in Charlottesville turned its prime location into an opportunity to live more fully into its founding mission. Through bold visioning, strategic partnership with the UVA Foundation, and faith in future generations, the parish is transforming outdated space into a sustainable, accessible, and missional hub for ministry and community life.

Arlington Presbyterian Church’s journey began with heartbreak and ended in transformation. By letting go of their building and embracing community-centered redevelopment, they became co-creators of Gilliam Place: a vibrant, mixed-use space with 173 affordable apartment homes and a new worship home for APC. Their story is one of faith, bold action, and deep neighborhood commitment.