For individuals of color, faith institutions have a rich history of addressing various societal issues. While the significance of these institutions has dwindled over the years, the need for them to step up in the face of dwindling affordable housing options in Houston, especially for diverse communities, is becoming more apparent. Faith communities are once again being called upon to lead in providing solutions.
Houston City Councilwoman Dr. Tiffany Thomas (District F) acknowledges the urgency of the situation. She states, “Housing affordability is a critical issue nationally and locally. Without expanding housing inventory and forming new partnerships, Houston stands to lose its affordability advantage for the average citizen.”
From Thomas’s perspective, religious institutions play a crucial role. She emphasizes, “Faith communities possess significant amounts of underutilized land, and I aim to offer them a path to reinvent their mission in the post-COVID era. Through collaboration with the City of Houston, they can pioneer faith-driven solutions to our housing challenges while upholding their values.”
To realize her vision, Thomas’s District F Office is organizing a “Faith and Affordable Housing Summit” on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Methodist Houston (10570 Westpark Dr., Houston 77042).
The affordable housing struggle in Houston is evident despite the city’s relatively low housing costs. According to the C2ER Cost of Living Index, Houston’s housing costs are significantly lower than other major U.S. metros. However, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition reveals that the Houston metro area lacks affordable housing options for its lowest-income households, hindering their transition from renters to homeowners.
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