Boise, ID — LEAP Housing and Collister United Methodist Church partnered to build the Taft Homes, two affordable housing units for families in need. Collister United Methodist Church is the first faith-based organization to partner with LEAP Housing, providing a rarely used space behind the church to build these affordable homes.
The campaign is called "Yes, In God's Backyard". It's a reversal of the phrase "not in my backyard", an ode to the partnership between the organizations helping bring affordable housing to Boise in the church's very own backyard.
"We want people moving into our backyard. We want to use our excess land for affordable housing," said Pastor Joe Bankard.
LEAP builds affordable housing for households earning at or below 30 percent area median income. The church now leases the land at 1 dollar a year for 50 years, providing housing longevity for families.
"All we're really trying to do is figure out a way to ensure that when we build and develop housing, it's available for generations," said LEAP founder and CEO Bart Cochran.
LEAP oversaw construction, property management, and funding. The organization will also now manage the property.
"It frees the church now to love our neighbors. We don't have to be the ones that are property managing. So, it's been a beautiful partnership," said Bankard.
Built on what used to be a weed patch, the Taft Homes each feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage, and a fenced private yard. The neighborhood is offering a $20,000 donation match for the project to pay for the best finishing touches.
"What we're doing is wanting to raise the bar on what affordable housing looks like. How do we really set a good example for people to look to," said Cochran.
Cochran hopes this shows other property owners how they can help during this housing crisis.
"We'd encourage any faith community and frankly any individual or corporation or nonprofit that has access to extra land and wants to consider creating housing, solving that challenge. We can come alongside as a technical provider to really make that happen,"said Cochran.
And Pastor Bankard is going to other churches, in hopes of inspiring them to partner with LEAP too.
"I hope that two, become 20, become 200, become 2000 units of affordable housing in faith communities around the Treasure Valley," said Bankard.
Right now LEAP's property management group is going through their applications and making sure they all qualify for the help before the two families move in.Two families will move into these homes sometime in October.
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