Congressman Edwards Introduces the Bipartisan Faith in Housing Act

Washington, DC - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) has introduced the bipartisan Faith in Housing Act, alongside Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50), to allow nonprofit religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their land.
 
Under today’s burdensome permitting and zoning laws, many organizations eager to serve their communities are barred from doing so. The Faith in Housing Act will cut through the red tape and bureaucracy, empowering faith-based organizations to play a meaningful role in addressing the housing crisis.
 
This legislation clarifies that faith-based institutions have the authority to build affordable housing, regardless of restrictive local zoning laws. Additionally, religious institutions will be required to maintain low and middle-income affordability, partner with a nonprofit manager, and comply with health and safety standards.
 
“Government red tape should never stand in the way of faith-based organizations working to make a difference in their communities," said Congressman Edwards. “Our nation is facing a growing housing crisis, and if local religious organizations are ready and able to provide a roof over people’s heads, we should be doing everything we can to support their mission.”
 
“In San Diego and across the country, too many families are priced out of their neighborhoods due to the skyrocketing cost of housing. Religious institutions often seek to provide affordable housing to address gaps in their communities, but encounter roadblocks when local rules prohibit them from building housing on the land they own. If we want to put a dent in our country’s housing shortage, we’ve got to get creative and take advantage of our partners who already have footholds in our communities,” said Congressman Peters.

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