St. Pete says “Yes In God’s Backyard”

St. Petersburg has become the first city in Florida to adopt the “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) approach. The policy opens the way for churches and other houses of worship to use their unused land for affordable housing.

Palm Lake Urban Sanctuary is the first project of its kind: 86 homes for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, on our church’s land. City leaders expect more congregations to follow, and we are glad our experience can help them.

“For us, this is a passion project.” — Pastor Oscar Banks, to Bay News 9

In the news

• Bay News 9: St. Petersburg first in Florida to use church land for affordable housing
• WFLA: “Yes In God’s Back Yard”: St. Pete opens to church-owned affordable housing

Be part of it

Pray with us for our city and for the congregations discerning how to serve their neighbors. And if you are looking for a church that lives its faith in the neighborhood, join us on a Sunday: worship in English at 11:00 AM and in Spanish at 2:00 PM.