Many nonprofit developers will cover costs before a project gets started as well, said Janopaul. They may cover predevelopment costs, which can run up to $50,000 for appraisals, zoning analysis and feasibility modeling, in exchange for a commitment to use that developer if the project goes forward.
In many cases, the church will be asked to lease the land to the affordable housing partner for a minimum of 50 years, Janopaul said, which sounds risky. But she added: “At least with a nonprofit, you know that in 50 years you’re not dealing with an individual who will sell it. … Nonprofits, you hope, are going to be around longer.”
Even when partners cover most of the costs, most housing projects take years to complete, and the deals themselves or neighborhood relations can become highly contentious. Congregations that lack the wherewithal and need cash fast might do better to subdivide and sell off parcels, said Janopaul.
Churches were urged to consider uses that will engage people in their community. “Young people are really motivated by climate action and thoughtful community engagement,” said Baker. Sometimes simply “greening” old buildings can show prospective churchgoers that a congregation shares their values.
Baker suggested improving the health profile of churches while shrinking their impact on the environment by using nontoxic flooring materials, increasing ventilation, replacing oil or gas with electric heat pumps and installing solar panels for power and shade.
Then, she said, take credit for doing so. “There are ways you can make that visible on your landscape and on your signage.”
The lofty visions presented at the conference were partly tempered by financial realities in congregations where even paying utility bills is a challenge. “That’s how we got into this mess, all of us, because there wasn’t money to say, ‘Oh, let’s just fix this’ when something comes up,” said the Rev. Meagan Manas, pastor of Clinton Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Massachusetts, in the session.
But even Manas seemed to realize that surviving was going to take more than simple donations. “The answer to so many of the things (discussed) today feels like it’s money, but that’s not an answer for us. So I’m looking for more creativity.”
This article originally appeared here.
