What roles can faith and community based organizations play in rural housing development?
Faith-based organizations and community-based organizations have a long history of involvement in programs to support rural housing and assist the homeless. Their activities are especially important in communities where access to services is limited. They most often provide emergency food and housing assistance. As nonprofit housing corporations, they can apply for government funds to build, maintain, weatherize, and manage low-income housing units. In addition, they can provide support services, such as transportation, child care, and job search assistance, to the community at large and work to promote economic opportunities that create jobs for local residents. Because of their familiarity with local community needs, these organizations can facilitate partnerships between local agencies and businesses.
