Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for People’s Housing

General Questions

1. What is People’s Housing?
People’s Housing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating small-scale, affordable housing in partnership with churches, faith-based organizations, and mission-driven property owners. We focus on fast, cost-effective, and sustainable housing solutions that do not rely on government subsidies or tax credits.

2. How is People’s Housing different from other affordable housing developers?
Unlike traditional affordable housing models that depend on government funding and tax credits, People’s Housing leverages private investments, philanthropy, and bank loans to finance and build housing projects more quickly and with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

3. What types of housing does People’s Housing build?
We focus on small, well-designed housing projects, typically 10-15 units, built on land donated or leased by churches and faith-based organizations. These homes are permanently affordable, prioritize low-income residents and Section 8 voucher holders, and include community spaces to foster support networks.

4. Why does People’s Housing partner with churches and faith-based organizations?
Many churches have unused land that can be transformed into affordable housing for the community. By partnering with them, we streamline the development process, lower land costs, and create housing faster while aligning with their mission of helping those in need.

St. John’s House Project

5. What is St. John’s House?
St. John’s House is our first pilot project, located in Aptos, CA, on land provided by St. John’s Episcopal Church. It will be a 10-unit affordable housing complex for low-income individuals and families, with a focus on homeless seniors and single mothers with children.

6. Who will live in St. John’s House?
The housing will be available to low-income residents, primarily Section 8 voucher holders, with a preference for homeless seniors and single mothers with children.

7. How is St. John’s House being funded?
Funding comes from a mix of:

Unlike traditional affordable housing projects, St. John’s House does not rely on tax credits or other government subsidies.

8. What role does St. John’s Episcopal Church play in the project?
The church is providing land for the project and community support. While they are a key partner, religious participation is not required for residents, and services are provided through secular social service agencies.


Investment and Financial Questions

9. How can I invest in People’s Housing projects?
You can invest in our projects through:

10. What return can investors expect?
Investors who participate directly receive a fixed rate of return slightly below prime rate (currently 5.5%). Our financial model projects that principal will be repaid within 7 years or sooner if interest rates drop and the project is refinanced.

11. What are the risks for investors?
Because our projects do not rely on tax credits or government subsidies, they are less vulnerable to policy changes. Additionally, investors in New Way Homes’ pooled fund benefit from reduced risk through portfolio diversification. However, as with any investment, financial risks exist, including construction delays or unexpected costs.


Community & Impact

12. How does People’s Housing help the homeless?
We focus on permanent housing solutions rather than temporary shelters. By providing affordable, stable homes with on-site support, we help people transition out of homelessness for good. We also partner with case management providers to offer life skills training, employment assistance, and mental health resources.

13. Does People’s Housing offer rental assistance or housing services?
No, we develop housing, but we work with local organizations like the Association of Faith Communities (AFC) to provide case management and support services for tenants.

14. How can churches and faith-based groups get involved?
Churches can:

15. Does the project require religious participation?
No. Our projects are secular in nature, and residents are not required to participate in religious activities. Our focus is on providing stable housing and community support.


Future Projects & Expansion

16. Will People’s Housing expand beyond St. John’s House?
Yes! Our goal is to replicate this model across California, especially in areas where churches and faith-based organizations have underutilized land. We are actively seeking new partners for future projects.

17. What laws make this possible?
The recent passage of SB4 allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their property "by right", meaning they can bypass many local zoning restrictions that typically slow down housing projects.

18. Can this model work for other types of landowners?
Yes! While we focus on faith-based organizations, this model can also work for other mission-driven landowners, nonprofits, and institutions looking to use their land for social good.


How to Get Involved

19. How can I support People’s Housing?
You can help by:

20. How can I donate?
You can make a tax-deductible donation through:

21. Who should I contact to learn more?
If you’d like to invest, partner, or learn more, please contact us through our website or email us at [your email here].