June 23, 2025

Texas Nonprofits and Churches Unite for Affordable Housing

News Summary

In Texas, nonprofits and churches are collaborating to address the affordable housing crisis exacerbated by soaring home prices. With new initiatives such as an investment fund from PNC Bank and support from the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, efforts are focusing on providing resources for homebuyers. Legislative measures like House Bill 4505 aim to facilitate financing for affordable housing development. With rising home costs affecting many families, the push for community engagement and resources highlights a hopeful path toward accessible housing solutions.

Texas is witnessing a concerted effort from nonprofits and churches to address its chronic affordable housing crisis. Recently, PNC Bank introduced an investment fund aimed at alleviating the housing shortage affecting diverse populations across multiple states, including Texas. This initiative comes at a time when the demand for affordable housing has reached critical levels, with over 660,000 units needed for extremely low-income individuals in the state.

To further support homebuyers, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) has rolled out new resources, including a free on-demand webinar detailing the ten steps to homeownership. This guidance aims to assist potential buyers in navigating the sometimes overwhelming process of purchasing a home. Additionally, TSAHC provides access to certified housing counselors who can offer personalized assistance in home buying, as well as programs that allow Texans to qualify for down payment assistance or mortgage credit certificates.

In the legislative arena, Bryan-College Station’s Habitat for Humanity is advocating for House Bill 4505, a proposal that would establish a statewide revolving loan fund offering zero-interest loans to nonprofit developers. This fund is intended to cover upfront costs related to construction, such as land acquisition and essential infrastructure. If implemented, it could facilitate the construction of approximately 350 homes annually, prioritizing families earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. Furthermore, the bill includes accountability measures such as annual audits and public reporting to ensure transparency and responsible management of funds.

The local impact of Habitat for Humanity has been significant, with over 300 homes built to date. However, gaps in funding for crucial infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, have been a persistent challenge. Supporters of the proposed legislation assert that it could streamline the timeline from planning to the delivery of homes, critical for families in need of affordable housing. Long-term homeownership can have substantial positive effects on families and children, providing stability and opportunities in their communities.

Interestingly, a new report has positioned Texas among the top three states in terms of housing affordability and construction efforts, earning a score of A-. Despite this commendable ranking, the median home listing price in Texas stands at $370,633—significantly higher than the second-place state, Iowa. Meanwhile, states such as Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York continue to rank poorly due to high prices combined with low housing production rates.

Churches across Texas are also playing a critical role in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Initiatives like the “Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY)” legislation are being proposed to waive certain zoning regulations, facilitating the development of affordable homes on church land. One notable example is Pastor Louis Rosenthal from McKinney First Baptist Church, who has spearheaded efforts to utilize church property for affordable housing, spearheading projects that will create 300 new units.

If passed, the YIGBY legislation would eliminate various zoning hurdles for churches, allowing them to lease land for affordable housing developments and expedite the zoning process. This could significantly increase the number of affordable housing units available in Texas, meeting the urgent needs of its population.

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has shown its support for House Bill 3172, aimed at simplifying the pathways for new housing projects. With a growing acknowledgment of the deepening housing crisis, Texas is witnessing an unprecedented coalition of nonprofits and faith-based organizations coming together to propose comprehensive solutions to ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.