TELL ALBANY: PASS THE FAITH-BASED AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT!
New York State Legislature and Governor

New Yorkers struggle to pay their rent, groceries, medicine and bills. They simply can't make ends meet. Nearly 50% of our residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing and over 100,000 people are in shelter each night.
Faith-based organizations (FBO’s) like churches, mosques, temples and synagogues have been the cornerstones of communities for a very long time. They serve as pillars of their communities and provide a significant part of the social safety net to New Yorkers. Many are land rich and cash poor, with aging buildings and underutilized properties.
The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act would make it easier for these institutions to build homes across this state. It encourages governments to make it possible for residents to access affordable housing by removing unduly restrictive zoning.
Our vast and diverse coalition is urging the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul to come together and pass the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act to help reinvigorate our institutions and build more housing across New York State.
Let Albany leaders know that you support the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act!
Take a minute and SIGN THE PETITION!
To:
New York State Legislature and Governor
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie:
As members of the faith community, including faith-leaders and representatives from faith-based organizations, concerned New Yorkers, and advocates from all over, we write to thank you for your consideration of the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act.
Our coalition represents New Yorkers across the state, from many religions and walks of life. Despite our differences, we have all experienced the impact of New York’s housing crisis in our own lives, as well as the lives of our families, congregations, and communities. We have seen families struggling to find affordable homes, young adults unable to return to the communities they grew up in, and seniors unable to remain in the communities in which they have raised their children.
The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act (FBAHA) will empower houses of worship in town and urban centers to build contextual, affordable housing on the land they already own, most of which is currently zoned for commercial use. The proposal would also create a new, comprehensive training for religious institutions focused on real estate and affordable housing, ensuring our congregations are prepared to take on these projects.This moment of crisis requires decisive and rapid action, and FBAHA will immediately create considerable new opportunities on faith-based lands for housing. Our support for FBAHA stems from a shared vision for a New York where everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing and where our faith institutions continue to play a critical role in providing services to the community – including through building affordable housing on our land.
Faith leaders are ready to step up, collaborate, and drive community-focused housing projects that benefit all. However, we need your support to bring the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act to fruition. Together we can create a New York that is welcoming to all. Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to the well-being of all New Yorkers.