ULI Virginia: Yes in God's Backyard: Unlocking Faith-Based Land for Housing Solutions
Tue, Sep 22
|Libbie Mill - Henrico County Public Libr
Join ULI Virginia for a timely conversation exploring how faith-owned properties can become catalysts for housing creation and neighborhood revitalization.
Time & Location
Sep 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Libbie Mill - Henrico County Public Libr, 2100 Libbie Lake E St, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
About the event
ULI Virginia: Yes in God's Backyard: Unlocking Faith-Based Land for Housing Solutions
When faith communities say “yes,” housing opportunities grow.
Across Virginia, faith communities are exploring how underutilized land and buildings can help address the growing need for attainable and affordable housing.
Join ULI Virginia for a conversation about the growing Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) movement and the opportunities for faith communities, developers, housing advocates, and local governments to work together to create housing while advancing community missions.
The panel will explore the policy landscape, development opportunities, financing considerations, and community engagement strategies involved in transforming faith-owned property into housing. Panelists will also share real-world examples, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities for partnerships across Virginia.
Speakers
Moderator: Andrew Moore, Glavé & Holmes
Panelists:
Eli Smith, Director, Faith-Based Housing Initiative
Candice Turner, Strategic Housing Officer, Virginia Housing
Sheila Herlihy Hennessee, Director of Faith Organizing, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
Charles Hall, Vice President of Housing, Commonwealth Catholic Charities
This program may be especially valuable for faith leaders, developers, planners, architects, public officials, lenders, and community advocates interested in the potential of faith-owned property to support housing, community needs, and long-term congregational sustainability.
Registration is hosted by ULI Virginia.