Charlotte’s Churches Rise to the Challenge: Making Room for Homes
In the bustling city of Charlotte, a remarkable transformation is taking place as local churches look beyond their traditional roles to help tackle a significant issue: affordable housing. Among them, Newell Presbyterian Church, which dates back to 1892, is leading the way by turning its unused land into a community of homes. And in a city where the need is desperate, this initiative couldn’t come at a better time.
The Changing Landscape of Newell
Once surrounded by dairy farms, cotton mills, and tobacco fields, Newell Presbyterian has watched the area evolve. Where fields once lay, now sit sprawling subdivisions and busy commercial districts. The church’s original sanctuary opened its doors 131 years ago, but today, the number of attendees at Sunday services has dwindled to about 50.
“We’ve grown small,” reflects Pastor Matt Conner. The church, however, has access to a generous 10 acres of land, only half of which has been utilized for church activities. With a fresh vision, church leaders began to ask, “Is just cutting the grass cutting it anymore?” The answer? Not anymore! They’re ready to turn their grassy field into a community of 50 affordable homes.
A Movement Among Local Faith Communities
Newell isn’t alone in its mission. Across Charlotte, other churches are joining the cause to create more homes for those in need. This movement aligns perfectly with the city’s Faith in Housing Initiative, which aims to address the affordable housing crisis currently gripping Charlotte, where the deficit hovers around 36,000 homes. City Council member LaWana Mayfield sums it up well: “It’s a win-win all across the board.”
With every church property that gets developed, the community benefits and the church itself gains new revenue streams. For instance, St. Paul Baptist Church broke ground in 2016 on a project offering 112 affordable homes in Belmont. Other churches, like Little Rock AME Zion and Myers Park Presbyterian, have joined this growing list of faith communities leveraging their property for a greater good.
Land Scarcity: A Unique Church Asset
Traditional church attendance has declined considerably, with only about 30% of U.S. adults attending weekly services, which means that many churches are left with excess land and resources that go unused. “We’re all sitting on campuses built for the height of Christendom,” says Rev. John Cleghorn. The solution? Using this land to meet the pressing need for affordable housing.
Church involvement can also help soften local opposition to new housing projects, especially when the narrative shifts towards working families rather than simply outsiders. One such project, the Sugaree Place offering, aims to house 51 families, the fruit of years of dedication and determination by local clergy.
Real Lives Impacted by New Housing Initiatives
Real stories underscore the importance of this housing movement. Like the case of Karen Lee, a retired tech support worker who found solace at Gilfield Park Apartments. After two years of searching, Lee stated, “I’m just so thankful.” Or Herbert Wilson, a disabled veteran who had faced homelessness before being welcomed into a new, comfortable apartment. For Wilson, each day begins with gratitude for his newfound stability.
A Holistic Approach to Community
Beyond just shelter, many church-led developments are considering wrap-around services to support residents with child care and workforce development. “The local church stands at the convergence of its own existential crisis, a national cry for community, and a housing crisis,” Cleghorn elaborates.
What began as a contingency plan for housing has morphed into a renewed mission of growth for churches like Newell Presbyterian. “If we have started this trying to avoid death, we have found new life and meaning and hope and clarity of vision in the process,” Pastor Conner reflects with uplifting optimism.
As Charlotte’s churches embrace this evolving role, they’re not just providing roofs over heads; they’re building communities, reviving spirits, and finding purpose in unexpected ways. In a time when needs are paramount, the faith community in Charlotte is stepping up to be the change-makers and guardians of hope.
