St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seattle is reimagining its property to create affordable housing, new ministry space, and a more sustainable future for the congregation.

ULI Virginia is bringing together housing, development, and faith leaders for a timely conversation about the growing Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) movement.

Kingston Parish, located in rural Mathews County at the far southeast edge of the Diocese of Virginia, is partnering with the local community to transform a historic but long-vacant Rectory into two workforce rental apartments.

The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania is taking a bold, strategic approach to church property redevelopment through its new Transformation Initiative, identifying 26 congregations where underutilized land and buildings could be reimagined to create housing and strengthen long-term ministry.

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 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.

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.