Is "Yes in God's Backyard" the Answer to the Housing Crisis?
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
California’s new "Yes in God's Backyard" (SB 4) law allows religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to build 100% affordable housing on their land "by right," bypassing many local zoning hurdles and environmental lawsuits. By empowering churches to use their existing property for the public good, the law aims to address the state's severe housing shortage while allowing faith communities to live out their mission of service.
What Happened
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 4, also known as the "Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act," into law in late 2023. The law, which went into effect in January 2024, re-zones land owned by religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to allow for affordable housing development.
Under this law, these institutions can build housing projects even if the local zoning was previously designated as "single-family" or "parking." It streamlines the approval process, removing the ability for local opponents to use the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to block or delay these projects for non-environmental reasons.
A prominent example of this law in action is the Bethel One project by Bethel AME Church in San Diego. The 136-year-old historic Black church broke ground on a 26-unit apartment complex on a small 7,000-square-foot lot that previously held a duplex. These units are specifically reserved for low-income seniors and veterans. Notably, this project is privately funded through donations and loans, showing that faith-based initiatives can often build more efficiently than traditional government-subsidized programs.
Both Sides
Supporters of the "YIGBY" movement argue that churches are uniquely positioned to solve the housing crisis. Many faith organizations sit on large plots of underutilized land, such as oversized parking lots or aging ancillary buildings. By removing "red tape," the government allows these organizations to use their private assets to house the vulnerable without relying entirely on taxpayer funds. They point to the Bethel One project as proof that churches can build faster and cheaper than the state.
On the other hand, some local community members and city officials express concern over the loss of "local control." They worry that overriding city zoning laws could lead to high-density buildings in neighborhoods that aren't equipped with the necessary infrastructure, such as transit or parking. Others argue that while the intention is good, the lack of traditional municipal oversight might lead to unintended consequences in urban planning.
Why It Matters
This shift represents a growing trend of "faith-based urbanism," where the solution to social problems isn't just a government program, but a community-led one. If successful, California’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states facing high rent and homelessness.
For those of us in the Mid-South, this is a conversation worth watching. While we have more space than San Francisco or San Diego, cities like Memphis are seeing a rising need for affordable, safe housing for our seniors and veterans. Our churches have always been the backbone of community support in the Bluff City; seeing them empowered to provide not just a meal, but a roof, is a powerful vision for the future of our neighborhoods.
Biblical Perspective
In the book of Acts, we see a radical vision of the early church. Acts 4:34 says, "There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need."
From an Assemblies of God and Pentecostal perspective, we believe the Holy Spirit empowers the church to be a transformative force in the world. This isn't just about politics or real estate; it's about stewardship. When a church looks at an empty parking lot and sees a home for a veteran, they are practicing the same spirit of generosity found in the early church. It is an act of "divine healing" for a broken societal system, proving that when the Church is allowed to be the Church, the community thrives.
Life Takeaway
We often feel overwhelmed by the "big" problems in our world, like the housing crisis or poverty. But the "YIGBY" movement reminds us that solutions are often right in our own backyards. You may not be building an apartment complex, but you can look at the resources God has given you: your home, your time, or your influence: and ask, "How can I use this to meet a neighbor's need?"
Stay grounded in the truth that God provides, and He often uses His people to be the delivery system for that provision.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.
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