New initiative to allow faith organizations to tackle affordable housing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new initiative is looking to tackle the issue of affordable housing in a new way.

The city of Chattanooga, along with the McClellan Foundation and the Enterprise Center, launched their Faith-Based Development Initiative.

This initiative will provide assistance and grant funding to 8 faith based organizations who pledge to turn underutilized land into new affordable housing over the next three years.

The HEB Board approved this program Monday, as representatives hope this will be an innovative solution to the housing crisis.

The city’s Housing Finance Director, Hanneke van Dursen, said, “Trying to put them in a position where they can make the go or no go decision on whether their property makes sense for affordable housing development, and helping them know if they would want to do other affordable home ownership opportunities or housing tax credits.”

The program will launch in January.