Reps. Brown and Barragán Introduce Bill to Empower Faith-Based Organizations and Nonprofits to Build Affordable Housing

Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (MI-11) have introduced the Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Act, a legislative effort aimed at addressing the nation’s housing crisis. The bill seeks to empower faith-based organizations and nonprofit universities to construct affordable housing on underused land they already own. This initiative is designed to meet urgent needs in communities experiencing severe housing shortages and rising homelessness.

The legislation, filed by Congresswoman Barragán with Brown as a co-lead, aims to remove outdated regulations that have hindered local institutions from contributing to housing solutions. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Ohio alone requires 264,000 additional affordable housing units to meet public demand. The YIGBY Act is positioned as a tool to address this gap by leveraging existing community resources.

The YIGBY movement emphasizes local leadership and community trust. By allowing faith-based institutions and educational campuses to utilize their land for housing, the bill seeks to strengthen neighborhoods and provide stable, affordable living options. This approach aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges advocacy for the oppressed.

Congresswoman Brown highlighted the importance of collaboration and removing barriers to affordable housing. She emphasized the need to ensure working families can find safe, affordable places to live. “We need to use every tool we have and work with every partner we have to lower housing costs,” she stated, underscoring the role of faith-based organizations in addressing the crisis.

Congresswoman Barragán echoed this sentiment, noting that faith-based groups and educational institutions are eager to contribute but often face bureaucratic obstacles. The YIGBY Act is intended to provide local governments with the tools needed to streamline processes and support housing development that meets community needs.

States and cities are already demonstrating the potential impact of such policies. In California, SB 4 enables qualifying faith institutions and higher education entities to build 100 percent affordable housing without additional approval. This has led to at least 80 congregations in Los Angeles exploring housing development on their properties. Similar efforts are being considered in other states, indicating a growing recognition of the value of community-driven solutions.

The YIGBY Act represents a step toward addressing housing insecurity through partnerships that prioritize local needs and resources. By empowering trusted community institutions, the legislation aims to foster a more compassionate and equitable approach to housing, reflecting the Christian call to love and serve neighbors in need.

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