Social Impact & Affordable Housing Initiatives
Across our denomination, congregations are asking deep and faithful questions: “How can we use our property to serve our community?” “How can our buildings become more than just places of worship — but places of hope?”
At the same time, we know that many of our church campuses are underutilized. They sit in neighborhoods facing real and urgent challenges — housing insecurity, economic hardship, and a growing need for safe, affordable places to live.
Presbyteries and synods are being called upon to walk alongside congregations as they explore how to repurpose these sacred spaces for new mission uses — but often, these are complex projects that require a blend of vision, technical expertise, and financial acumen.
That’s why the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program created the office of Mission Development for Affordable Housing and Church-Based Social Impact Initiatives.
Our Mission Development Officer, or MDO, serves as a connector, a coach, and a catalyst — helping congregations and mid councils explore what’s possible when they begin to see their property as a tool for mission.
This role provides hands-on support in the early stages of a project — those crucial months when an idea is taking shape, but before it’s ready for financing.
The MDO helps churches assess the feasibility of using their property for affordable housing, community development, or social impact initiatives. They offer guidance on governance issues, property use, and alignment with mission goals. They also make sure congregations understand denominational processes and policies that protect the church’s long-term interest.
In short, the MDO walks with ministries from discernment to development — ensuring that when a project does reach the stage of seeking a loan from PILP, it is both spiritually grounded and financially sound.
This role also strengthens the work of our mid councils. Presbyteries and synods are often on the front lines — hearing from multiple congregations with questions about housing, redevelopment, or campus reuse.
Our purpose is to ensure that congregations and mid-councils are fully aware of their capacity to develop affordable housing and other social impact projects, that they have the means to bring these efforts to completion, and that the land and buildings of the Presbyterian Church (USA) continue to be a transformational presence in their neighborhoods and communities.
How PILP Can Help
If your congregation is considering a social impact-based project, our MDO can provide free consultation services that include:
- Workshops and consultations to build local capacity.
- Helping evaluate the feasibility and risk of projects.
- Ensuring alignment with church policy.
- Connecting councils to external partners — like affordable housing organizations, community development financial institutions, and other ecumenical agencies doing similar work.
Affordable housing developments often run into the millions — sometimes beyond what PILP can finance entirely from our own capital base. Where we have been particularly helpful is in providing predevelopment financing — the essential early funding that helps a project move from concept to construction.
These funds can cover costs such as architectural studies, environmental assessments, market analyses, site surveys, or legal and zoning work — the kinds of upfront expenses that often stall good projects before they ever begin.
In other cases, PILP has been able to participate through equity-sharing arrangements with developers — allowing the church to retain ownership and influence while leveraging the developer’s capital and expertise.
So, while PILP may not always be the lead lender on the project, we can play a pivotal role in making sure that Presbyterian-related initiatives get off the ground — and stay true to their mission.
Contact Us
Explore affordable housing and other social impact initiatives using church property.