Congregations Supporting Housing
Faith communities hold unique opportunities to address Virginia’s housing crisis.
About Our Work
Congregations across the Commonwealth often have underutilized land that can become part of the solution to Virginia’s housing challenges. Virginia Interfaith Center advocates for policies and provides resources that make it easier for faith communities to explore and build affordable housing, extending their mission of service to meet a critical need.
Quick Links
Legislative Actions & Priorities
Expediting Affordable Housing
Virginia Interfaith is leading efforts on a proposed 2026 bill that would allow localities to pass ordinances that create a faster approval process for multi-family housing, as long as it is affordable. By cutting delays, reducing uncertainty, and lowering costs, this reform would help landowners and developers alike—making it easier for congregations to develop housing on their property.
Faith in Housing (Statewide Zoning)
This policy would automatically allow congregations (and other property tax–exempt nonprofits) to build multi-family housing on land they own. Virginia Interfaith has championed this bill in past sessions and is continuing to support it in 2026 through the Commonwealth Housing Coalition.
How to Get Involved
Encourage your faith community to explore how their land could serve as a place for affordable housing. You can also contact your legislators to support policies that make it easier for congregations to build.
Visit our Get Involved and Events Calendar pages to learn more about other upcoming advocacy opportunities.
Helpful Resources
Virginia Congregations Building Affordable Housing: A Match Made in Heaven
Faith-Based Property Ownership in Virginia
Additional Congregations Housing Resources
More Ways To Get Involved
Join us in making a difference—discover how you can support our mission, attend upcoming events, and explore our resources to stay engaged and help create positive change in our community.
