Washington Church Opens Doors to Affordable Housing Amid Growing Crisis
In a remarkable response to the ongoing housing crisis, Shiloh Baptist Church of Tacoma, Washington, has unveiled a new 60-unit affordable housing development directly across from its sanctuary. This initiative seeks to provide stability and hope to the community amidst rising concerns about housing affordability.
Completed in January, the Shiloh New Life Apartments consist of two building complexes. Pastor Chavis Young highlighted the church’s initiative as a tangible demonstration of their commitment to offering “a tangible expression of God’s love in our community.”
Pastor Young explained that the church was motivated to act upon observing the “growing housing crisis and the impact it was having on families — particularly those with low or fixed incomes.” He emphasized the spiritual and moral imperative that drove the church to address this critical need while fostering “dignity, stability, and hope.”
The construction journey, which began in August 2023, followed “a period of prayer, planning, and fundraising.” The Lily V. Brazill building, the first of the two structures, began welcoming residents last September, while the James and Marilyn Walton building completed the project in January. Since then, both complexes have become homes to new residents.
Pastor Young recounted the challenges faced during the development process, including navigating zoning approvals and building permits. However, he noted that transparency and collaboration with local authorities turned many into partners, aiding the project’s completion.
He stated the project epitomizes the Gospel call “to love our neighbors, care for the marginalized, and serve ‘the least of these.’” Young further described the housing units as “a living testimony of what it looks like when the Church becomes the hands and feet of Jesus.”
The housing initiative arrives as more Americans express concern over housing affordability. A Pew Research Center survey from September indicates a growing unease, with 69% of Americans worried about housing costs, an increase from 61% in April 2023.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
