news article

Faith-based affordable housing can help Western New York thrive

June 2, 2025 / By Hector A. Burgos-Núñez / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The following op-ed was written by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and published by the Buffalo News on May 15.

Western New York is facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. In 2022, nearly half – 45.9% – of our renters were rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. It’s unacceptable – and we need an immediate solution.
 
Faith organizations have a long and rich history of serving our communities. The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act, a proposal currently before the State Senate and Assembly, would empower religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their land. This legislation would create as many as 60,000 new housing units over the next decade.
 
The Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act would not only address a critical need but also ensure the long-term sustainability of our community outreach. By developing housing on underutilized land, we can generate the resources necessary to continue delivering these essential services.
 
Of the 631,030 lots in the Western New York region, 1,628 are owned by faith-based organizations. With a median lot size of 0.70 acres, we have the space to create meaningful change.
 
The Old Testament reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3). This verse underscores the moral imperative to act, to ensure that our communities are places where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
 
This is exactly what our faith institutions are already doing. Take Dr. Scott Johnson, coordinating pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Buffalo. Johnson’s ministry assists those facing economic challenges. Many in attendance are hard-working, employed individuals who struggle to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living.
 
When rent is too high, other essentials may be cut, and quality of life deteriorates. Without more housing being built, the cost of living will continue to rise and become increasingly untenable. It’s why faith institutions must do more to fix the housing crisis.
 
New York needs faith-based housing. Recent polling indicates that this is popular, too: 76% of Western New York voters support the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act.
 
Let us build, not just for today, but for generations to come.