Church: Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Neighborhood: Alexandria, VA
Development: 113 of affordable housing, including many family-sized units

In 2012, the rector of Alexandria’s Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (ECR) retired. During the search for a new rector, the church began to wonder whether any rector would want to come to their parish, which was experiencing a declining attendance and diminishing finances. This triggered a re-visioning process, where the church came up with a wealth of ideas for filling their financial gaps and revitalizing their community. One idea: building housing as a possible income stream and a catalyst to revive the congregation.

After talking with other churches who had gone through similar struggles and interviewing a variety of developers, ECR came up with a plan to tear down their current church building, build a smaller sanctuary, and construct over 100 units of affordable housing around the new church. This plan had the dual benefit of both establishing a revenue stream for the church and providing a service to the community.

ECR decided to lease portion of their property to AHC Inc, one of the largest affordable housing developers in Northern Virginia, in order to develop the housing complex. With the revenue from this 99-year land lease, ECR is paying for its new church building. They worked with lawyers to include language in the agreement that gives ECR influence over the vision and mission of the housing development.

Though the project has faced challenges, the congregation’s faith has sustained them. “One thing after another has come our way, and I firmly believe it’s God taking care of us,” says project lead, Betsy Faga. “God just took care of us. It’s unbelievable.”

The project is expected to open in 2021.