New Yorkers struggle to pay their rent, groceries, medicine and bills. They simply can’t make ends meet. Nearly 50% of our residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing and over 100,000 people are in shelter each night. More and more families are forced to leave New York because there aren’t affordable housing options.

Faith-based organizations like churches, mosques, temples and synagogues have been the cornerstones of communities for a very long time. They serve as pillars of their communities and provide a significant part of the social safety net to New Yorkers.

Many are land rich and cash poor, with aging buildings and underutilized properties.

The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act (S3397 / A3647) would make it easier for these institutions to build homes across this state. It encourages governments to make it possible for residents to access affordable housing by removing unduly restrictive zoning.

We encourage the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul to come together and pass the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act to help reinvigorate our institutions and build more housing across New York State.