New York, NY - The Partnership for Faith-Based Affordable Housing and Community Development extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the Second Annual Rebuilding the Sacred Hearts of Our Communities Faith-Based Affordable Housing Summit a powerful day of learning, partnership, and possibility.
Held in New York City during the week leading up to Juneteenth, the Summit brought together faith leaders, housing professionals, advocates, developers, lenders, public officials, and community partners to explore how sacred spaces can help meet one of the most urgent needs of our time: safe, stable, and affordable housing.
The timing of the Summit was intentional. As we remember Juneteenth and the long struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination, we are reminded that housing justice is deeply connected to racial, economic, and community justice. Across New York, many of the communities most impacted by the housing crisis are the same communities that have endured generations of displacement, disinvestment, and inequity. The Summit created space for faith leaders and congregations to learn how their land, buildings, relationships, and moral voice can be part of building just, thriving, and affordable communities.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the affordable housing development process, clergy leadership, zoning and land use, financing, community engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and the practical steps congregations can take when discerning whether their property can support housing or community development.
We are especially grateful to the speakers, moderators, presenters, and panelists whose wisdom and experience helped move this work from vision to action: Rev. Danilo Archbold of New Jerusalem Cathedral, who opened the Summit in prayer; Rev. Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations; Rev. Jahmel K. Robinson, Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Albany; Michael Lappin, Founder of MLappin & Associates; Jerrod Delaine of The Delaine Companies; Meta Brunzema, Co-Owner and Principal of Collective for Community, Culture & Environment; Moses Gates, Vice President for Housing and Neighborhood Planning at Regional Plan Association; Ted Houghton, Principal of Terra Linda Housing Services; Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern Housing; Rachel Fee of New York Housing Conference; John Mangin, Director of Housing at NYC Planning; Asia Thomas, Organizing Director of Open New York; Joshua Berman, Campaigns Manager at Regional Plan Association; Christian Romero, Assistant Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services; Elizabeth Mackey of VOCAL-NY; and Rev. Macky Alston, Executive Minister of Middle Collegiate Church, who closed the gathering in prayer.
Their collective expertise reflected the complexity and promise of faith-based affordable housing development. From clergy who have walked with their congregations through discernment and development, to planners, advocates, developers, lenders, attorneys, and community organizers, each voice helped illuminate what is possible when faith communities are supported with the right tools, relationships, and technical assistance.
The Partnership also extends deep gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors, and foundational supporters who made this gathering possible: Concern Housing; MLappin & Associates; Leviticus Fund; Goldstein Hall; Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP; Valley Bank; Magnusson Architecture and Planning PC; New York State Homes and Community Renewal; Atharhacton Planning & Consulting; Robert DeFalco Realty; Calyx; Trinity Church Wall Street; The Collegiate Churches of New York; and Nur Ashki Jerrahi Community.
Their generosity helped connect congregations and community leaders with the resources, expertise, and relationships needed to take the next faithful step toward responsible and community-centered development.
Most of all, we thank every attendee who came with curiosity, courage, and commitment. The housing crisis requires all of us, and this Summit reminded us that the faith community has both a moral responsibility and a practical role to play in creating affordable housing opportunities across New York.
The work continues. Together, we are rebuilding the sacred hearts of our communities.
