California grapples with a severe housing crisis, marked by a scarcity of affordable housing options and a substantial homeless population. Governor Gavin Newsom has responded by signing more than 50 housing-related bills, with SB 4, known as "Yes in God’s Backyard," drawing significant attention. This legislation streamlines the process for non-profit colleges, universities, and faith-based organizations to construct affordable housing on their existing land, allowing them to bypass certain environmental regulations and permitting requirements. UC Berkeley's Terner Centre for Housing Innovation has identified over 170,000 acres of underused land, presenting a significant opportunity to address housing needs, particularly for low-income and homeless individuals, through religious institutions and mission-driven organizations.
California is facing a severe housing crisis due to a persistent shortage of housing options, leading to a significant portion of the country’s homeless population residing in the state. Lower- and middle-income residents are struggling to afford homes throughout California.
In response to these challenges, Governor Gavin Newsom has taken action by signing over 50 housing-related bills this month. One of the prominent laws, SB 4, has garnered attention. This legislation, known as “Yes in God’s Backyard,” simplifies the process for non-profit colleges, universities, and faith-based organizations to construct affordable housing on their existing land. It enables these organizations to bypass certain environmental regulations and permitting requirements, facilitating the construction of homes in church parking lots.
Additional underused or excess land resources have been identified by UC Berkeley’s Terner Centre for Housing Innovation, with over 170,000 acres of land potentially available for utilization under SB 4.
It's worth highlighting that religious institutions are uniquely suited to address the housing needs of low-income and homeless individuals. The Bill emphasized that there is a vast network of mission-driven organizations across the entire state, eager and willing to serve the housing needs of their communities, and SB 4 provides an opportunity to do just that.
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