Discover how religious groups are tackling the issue of homelessness.

The Allston-Brighton neighborhood of Boston is a lively and diverse community, home to prestigious universities such as Boston University, Boston College, and parts of Harvard University. However, with the rapid growth of urban development, the neighborhood is undergoing significant changes.

As housing costs continue to soar, many senior residents are struggling to afford living in this once-affordable neighborhood. According to Apartments.com, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is a staggering $2,777 per month. Thankfully, some faith-based organizations are stepping in to help.

One such organization is the Hill Memorial Baptist Church, which has been a pillar of the community for over 120 years. Sadly, the church closed its doors in 2023. However, instead of letting the building sit empty, the church has decided to convert it into affordable housing for the neighborhood's elderly residents. Reverend Catherine Johnson shared in an email to The Christian Science Monitor that the congregation is proud to give back to the Allston community by providing affordable housing for its senior citizens.

Leading the project is John Woods, the executive director of Allston Brighton Community Development Corp. In a press release, Woods emphasized the importance of collaboration in affordable housing development and praised the amazing partners involved in this initiative. He believes that this project will fill a crucial gap in the continuum of affordable housing, allowing more individuals to age comfortably in their own community.

Similar initiatives have been seen in other cities such as San Diego, Atlanta, and San Antonio. In fact, in March of this year, the Yes in God's Backyard Act was introduced to the U.S. Congress. If passed, this bill would allow faith-based organizations across the country to address the housing crisis by providing affordable living spaces for low-income individuals.

Senator Sherrod Brown, who introduced the act, believes that this is a common-sense solution to the growing housing crisis in the United States. In a press release, he stated that housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable and hard to find in almost every community. By helping religious institutions cut through red tape and develop housing on their own land, we can lower the cost of housing and expand options for families in Ohio and throughout the country.

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