A Congregational Land Initiative
Does your church have an underused parking lot or land?
Could an affordable housing community revitalize your congregation?
Pathways To Housing
This personalized one-day workshop invites your congregation to reflect on how God may be calling your congregation to respond to the housing crisis—in light of your your mission, vision, and values.
Join a monthly learning cohort with other congregations who are exploring affordable housing approaches and options. Congregations learn best from a community of fellow learners.
This workshop series is for churches ready to move toward affordable housing development. We provide in-depth education and technical assistance as you proceed.
Local Congregations are Asking…
- What might be God’s hopes and dreams for our church?
- What unique gifts do we have to bring to our neighborhood?
- What gifts can our neighbors bring to us, in ways that could transform and energize our congregation?
- How can our property be of service to others?
- How do we think theologically about land and the built environment?
- Is it possible to create positive social impact and financial returns for our church?
Some congregations already provide affordable housing on previously under-utilized church land. Others are curious—but housing is complex, and few congregations are naturally equipped for this kind of endeavor. Your church may need support to respond to God’s invitation.
Your Aspirations, Our Assistance
Assessment
We will help you investigate the feasibility of construction, based on the physical and legal features of your property. We’ll consider adaptive reuse, renovations, affordable for-sale housing, multi-family development, and other approaches to find the best fit.
Developer Selection
We will explain the role that a likeminded affordable housing developer can play to help you reach your church’s vision. Our team will help you select a developer with a solid track record and values that align with your vision.
Community Engagement
We will coach you for neighborhood engagement and local government processes. You’ll learn practical strategies for knowing and loving your new neighbors in homes built on faith property.
Church and Civic Leaders Say…
Our congregation started by having church leadership attend an Abundant Ground workshop. Jessica and Joseph thoroughly researched our questions, provided a framework for the process, and led a productive discussion about the many considerations and options. Their faith, knowledge, and passion for affordable housing is inspiring… we have truly found valuable and committed partners as we proceed on this journey, wherever it takes us.
—Church Leader
Jefferson County, ColoradoIn five counties in the metro area alone, without Boulder and Broomfield, there’s over 5,000 undeveloped acres owned by churches, synagogues, mosques. That’s a massive land bank. The idea is to put faith leaders in contact with the experts who can help them navigate the notoriously complex financial and development systems.
—Nathan Davis Hunt
Co-founder, Colorado Village CollaborativeJessica and Joseph are leaders of utmost integrity who care deeply about helping families find housing. They have many years of proven experience…. Through Abundant Ground they skillfully help churches discern how they might use their land to provide safe and affordable housing for families in need.
Hugh Brandt
Cities Project Global - Colorado State University
Abundant Ground is a congregational land initiative of Mile High Ministries. MHM was awarded the 2023 Metro Vision Award from the Denver Metro Regional Council of Governments for excellence, innovation, collaboration, and leadership in problem-solving among communities and their partners. Annual honorees include the programs, projects, and plans that bring business leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and residents together to accomplish more than any partner could achieve alone.