Important benchmarks like groundbreakings, topping-out ceremonies, ribbon-cuttings and rental application days must also include your constituencies. The panel also promoted hard- hat tours for city and state officials and media as well. With these steps in place, and as residents move into their new dwellings, owners can take pride in a job well done and look forward to managing their community with satisfaction and equanimity.
Conclusion
The city of New York, like the nation, is experiencing a shortage of quality affordable housing that will only worsen as the population increases and available land diminishes. Our religious institutions, both in their inherent missions to provide for others, and their ownership of property, become excellent sources for housing that will make a difference in people’s lives. But, as the distinguished panel pointed out, the best faith-based housing outcomes are borne of knowledgeable, respectful, and experienced teams. Successfully assembling these joint ventures is the key to a smooth, productive process for religious institutions and their constituencies moving forward. It is our hope that churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations engage in the prescribed “best practices” to help them—and everyone in the industry— create successful housing through equitable partnerships that benefit the organizations, the community, and society at large. “Putting Faith in Housing: A Primer For All Partners” is based on a panel discussion produced by The NHP Foundation with the support of Chase Bank, Friedman LLP, and Goldstein Hall, PLLC. The panel and primer are part of a continuing series of thought leadership initiatives which further the mission of NHPF. Headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, The NHP Foundation was launched on January 30, 1989, as a publicly supported 501(c)(3) not-for-profit real estate corporation. NHPF is dedicated to preserving and creating sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing that is both affordable to low and moderate income families and seniors, and beneficial to their communities. NHPF also provides a robust resident services program to more than 28,000 community residents. Through partnerships with major financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based initiatives, and other not-for-profit organizations, NHPF has preserved 81 properties, including 6,801 units, in 16 states and the District of Columbia.
Putting Faith in Housing: A Primer for All Partners
121
Powered by FlippingBook