Amid America’s housing crisis, a movement called Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) emerges, utilizing underused faith-based land for affordable housing. Religious institutions own over 2.6 million acres, potentially accommodating 800,000 homes. While these organizations struggle with the idea of becoming developers, nonprofits like LEAP Housing assist by bridging the gap between religious missions and housing development. This initiative not only aims to provide housing but also reinforces community bonds and purpose through revitalization efforts in housing affordability, as highlighted by significant challenges in areas like Idaho.
With home prices far outpacing wages in many places across the country, communities are searching for new tools. One of the most promising, and least expected, is faith-based land.
Religious groups collectively own more than 2.6 million acres across the U.S., much of it underutilized. That land could support as many as 800,000 new homes, according to a 2025 Forbes report.
But there's a catch: Most houses of worship don't want to become real estate developers. That's where groups like LEAP Housing come in.
The result isn't just housing, it's renewed purpose and stronger communities.
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