What role might churches play in the intertwined crises of housing affordability and social isolation? A growing number of congregations express curiosity about the possibilities for providing housing on their previously under-utilized land. Imagine: What could extra parking spaces and grassy areas become? How might it transform our congregational life?

Through Abundant Ground, our new congregational land initiative, MHM is eager to support churches who are asking these questions. As you’re well aware, our city and state face a precipice, with the high cost of housing destabilizing families and neighborhoods. More people than ever are on the brink of homelessness. The societal landscape has changed and so has church life, especially after the pandemic.

We walk with churches as far as their interest leads, through three phases:

Discern

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 mission, vision, and values.

Discover

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.

Develop

This workshop series is for churches ready to move toward affordable housing development. We provide in-depth education and technical assistance as you proceed.

Thirty-five years ago when MHM was born, we brought suburban and urban churches together to address challenges in the “inner city.” Now churches are wrestling with matters of justice and compassion in their own communities across the wider metro area and Front Range, among people living in poverty in nearly every neighborhood.

Through Abundant Ground we’re bringing together our longtime work as community-builders, our deep roots in helping churches unleash their mission dreams, and our growing expertise in property development.

This effort is being led by Jessica and Joseph (Joey) Dominguez. Joey, with a background in real estate, serves as our Co-director of Housing Development. Jessica’s a former member of the MHM Board of Directors and an early (2001) residential student at our Issachar Center for Urban Leadership. She took leave from a twenty-year career teaching public school to research affordable housing solutions, and then helped shape the city’s housing priorities as a member of Denver’s Housing Advisory Committee. She currently participates in Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s collaboration with faith communities address the homelessness crisis.

Interested, or know a church who might be? Check out our Abundant Ground web page, and reach out to Jessica at jessicadominguez@milehighmin.org or 720-329-6798 for more information.