Church Costs, Strained by Rent, Feel the Weight of Rising Housing Prices

The Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin, pastor of Inglewood First United Methodist Church in Inglewood, California, has noticed a changing neighborhood. With housing prices rising, many of his congregants can no longer afford to live in the community and are being forced to move away.

This changing dynamic has had a direct impact on the church, as congregants who remain are struggling to keep up with rising rents, leaving them with less disposable income to contribute to the church and its community initiatives.

The strain on churches like Inglewood First United Methodist reflects the broader impact of affordability issues in Los Angeles County, where a recent study found that the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment consumes more than 50% of the income needed to be considered affordable for low-income families.

Reverend Cyrus-Franklin says he has seen firsthand how housing costs are crowding out other expenses, including religious donations, among low-income residents in his neighborhood. He believes that affordable housing initiatives are desperately needed to address this issue.

This sentiment is echoed by the Bishop William Dwight Dorsey of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who has been pushing for more affordable housing development in the region. He believes that creating affordable housing options is key to alleviating the financial pressures burdening churches and their communities.

Dorsey commented, "How can we expect churches to be at the forefront of solving community problems if they are struggling themselves?"

The crisis of rising housing costs and its impact on churches and communities highlights a dire need for effective solutions that promote affordable housing and financial relief for vulnerable communities.

References

New York Times Article, "Walking past empty pews and stained-glass windows, the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin, pastor of Inglewood First United Methodist Church in Inglewood, Calif., talked about how housing prices were threatening his flock."

Title: Church Costs, Strained by Rent, Feel the Weight of Rising Housing Prices Author: Morgan Haefner Source: New York Times Article, "Walking past empty pews and stained-glass windows, the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin, pastor of Inglewood First United Methodist Church in Inglewood, Calif., talked about how housing prices were threatening his flock."

Bishop William Dorsey, "How can we expect churches to be at the forefront of solving community problems if they are struggling themselves?"