Across the country, churches are responding creatively to the housing crisis, and parishes in the Diocese of Bristol are invited to explore how they might do the same.
Inspired by the 'Coming Home' report, the Housing Project is a national initiative of the Archbishops’ Council, created to encourage and support parishes in developing social housing on church land or within church buildings. The project works alongside dioceses and parishes to help explore what may be possible, offering practical advice, encouragement and early-stage funding to overcome the initial barriers that often prevent projects from getting off the ground. The project has been designed to respond to local need, by providing access to safe and affordable homes.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Many PCCs are already familiar with the challenges that come with ageing buildings or under-used land:
- church halls that are costly to maintain
- surplus land or parking areas
- vicarage gardens or buildings no longer fit for purpose
What may not always be obvious is that these challenges can also present new opportunities for mission and service.
For example, an old hall might be redeveloped with community space retained and social housing built above. A section of under-used land could become homes for those who need them most. These kinds of projects can create housing, strengthen a parish’s long-term sustainability, and improve facilities for the local community, all while remaining rooted in the life and worship of the church.
Practical support and early-stage funding
To help parishes explore whether an idea could become reality, the Housing Project offers:
- Hands-on development support from experienced housing professionals
- Access to shared tools and resources developed with parishes
- Early-stage grants of up to £25,000, helping to cover feasibility studies, surveys and initial professional advice
Crucially, this support is designed to help PCCs explore options without committing to a project before they are ready. It creates space for prayerful discernment, informed decision-making and open conversations about what is right for each parish and community.
Alongside this support, the Housing Project has developed short videos and written case studies from parishes already involved, sharing real stories of what has been possible and how churches have navigated the process.
Responding to need
At its heart, the Housing Project is a practical expression of the Church’s calling to care for others, responding to the biblical call to bring the homeless poor into our house (Isaiah 58:7) and to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35).
Whether a parish is actively struggling with a building, beginning to think about the future of its land, or simply curious about what might be possible, this is an invitation to explore how housing could become part of its witness.
T
ake the next step
Church leaders, churchwardens and PCC members are encouraged to get in touch with the Housing Project team at HousingProject@churchofengland.org to:
- explore whether social housing might be possible in their parish
- learn from other churches’ experiences
- or simply start a conversation
You can also find videos and case studies from parishes across the country at: https://churchhousing.net/stories