Connecticut churches are stepping into the affordable housing crisis by proposing to build homes on their underutilized properties, a movement dubbed ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ (YIGBY). The initiative, gaining traction in cities like Hartford and New Haven, aims to repurpose church-owned land for low-income and workforce housing amid soaring rents and limited supply. ‘This is about faith communities living out their mission to serve the vulnerable,’ said a spokesperson for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The effort mirrors similar programs in California and Oregon, where religious institutions have partnered with developers to create thousands of units. Connecticut’s housing shortage, exacerbated by zoning restrictions and high construction costs, has left nearly 1 in 4 renters cost-burdened, according to state data. Legislative analysts note that churches, often exempt from local zoning laws, could bypass bureaucratic hurdles. ‘It’s a creative solution to a systemic problem,’ said a housing policy expert at Yale University.
Critics, however, question whether churches have the expertise to manage housing projects. Some local officials argue that without strict oversight, the initiative could lead to poorly maintained properties. ‘Good intentions don’t always translate to good outcomes,’ cautioned a town planner in Fairfield County. Despite pushback, advocates say the plan could unlock 500+ acres of church-owned land statewide. If successful, YIGBY may inspire similar efforts in other high-cost states.