Yes in God’s Back Yard
YIGBY stands for “Yes in God’s Back Yard” and focuses on developing affordable housing on congregation-owned properties, countering the resistance often associated with NIMBY (“Not in My Back Yard”).
This movement seeks to repurpose underutilized church properties, especially as congregational memberships decline and maintenance resources dwindle.
Have you ever head the term NIMBY?
Have you ever heard the term NIMBY?
It stands for “Not in My Back Yard” and is an acronym all too familiar to affordable housing developers who face resistance to affordable housing proposals.
In contrast, YIGBY stands for “Yes, In God’s Back Yard”, which refers to developing affordable housing on congregation-owned property.
Several states have enacted YIGBY laws, and the YIGBY Act has been introduced in Congress.
“Up to 100,000 Christian congregation properties will be sold or repurposed in the next decade.”
With membership rolls declining and resources for property maintenance becoming limited, YIGBY offers an innovative solution.
Our Mission
Here in Minnesota, YIGBY laws do not yet exist. However, YIGBY MN’s mission is clear:
- Identify congregation sites for redevelopment.
- Facilitate relationships between mission-driven congregations and affordable housing developers.
- Promote legislation to support affordable housing on congregation-owned property.
Through partnerships with the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), YIGBY MN conducted a survey sent to 250+ congregations. The results revealed significant interest in exploring affordable housing options on congregation-owned land.
Belfry Apartments
Opened in December 2023 with 41 deeply affordable units. Developed by Trellis in partnership with Calvary Lutheran Church, preserving the worship space.
Union Park Flats
Under construction in St. Louis Park. A partnership with Union Congregational United Church of Christ, adding 60 affordable housing units.