top of page

Case Studies
These case studies showcase creative, faithful solutions to real challenges. From concept to execution, we invite you to see how underutilized space becomes thriving community impact.


St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church, Alexandria – Stewarding Space for Mission and Partnership
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.

VEREP
Sep 251 min read


St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Woodbridge – Exploring Space and Mission Alignment
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.

VEREP
Sep 252 min read


Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy: Case Studies from “A Match Made in Heaven”
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.

VEREP
Aug 131 min read


St. Paul’s King George – Looking to the Next Century
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.

VEREP
Aug 42 min read


Christ Ascension Episcopal Church, Richmond – Exploring Property Options for Mission and Sustainability
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.

VEREP
Aug 42 min read


St. Paul’s on the Hill, Winchester and Senseny Place – Housing as Legacy
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.

VEREP
Aug 42 min read


Iglesia Santa Maria – Working Together for Community Impact
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.

VEREP
Aug 23 min read


Trinity Episcopal Church, Arlington – Navigating Urban Change and Planning for the Future
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.

VEREP
Aug 23 min read


Epiphany Episcopal Church – Reimagining Preschool Ministry
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.

VEREP
Aug 24 min read


St. Paul’s Memorial Church – Building for the Future at UVA
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.

VEREP
Aug 26 min read


St. James United Methodist Church – Transforming Property for Mission and Community Impact
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.

VEREP
Aug 21 min read


Central United Methodist Church: From Dreams to Reality: Faith Service, and Affordable Housing
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.

VEREP
Aug 24 min read


From Parking to Purpose: Fairlington Presbyterian Church’s Affordable Housing 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.

VEREP
Aug 23 min read


Church of the Resurrection, Alexandria – A Bold Leap Toward Affordable Housing and a New Worship Space
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.

VEREP
Jul 144 min read


Faith in the Future: Redeveloping for the Next Generation at St. Paul’s Memorial
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.

VEREP
Jul 146 min read


For Whom Our Hearts Were Breaking: Arlington Presbyterian’s Transformational Journey from Discernment to Redevelopment
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.

VEREP
Jul 64 min read
bottom of page
