People’s Housing is a nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable housing in a faster, simpler, and more sustainable way. Instead of relying on slow-moving government funding and tax credits, which often don’t work for small projects, People’s Housing partners with churches and other mission-driven organizations that have extra land and want to help solve the housing crisis. 

The idea is simple: use available land, raise money from private investors and local donors, and build small, community-focused housing projects for people in need. These projects, like St. John’s House in Aptos, provide stable, affordable homes for individuals and families struggling with housing insecurity—especially homeless seniors and single mothers with children.

What makes People’s Housing different is that it’s not just about building homes—it’s about changing the way we build them. By cutting through red tape and finding creative financing solutions, the organization is proving that we don’t need to wait years for the government to act. Communities can take charge now, using local resources and grassroots support to make housing happen.

We receive mentorship and support from New Way Homes. Check out their exciting collection of low-income housing projects here 

Beyond construction, People’s Housing also ensures that residents receive the support they need to thrive. At St. John’s House, for example, tenants will have access to case management, life skills training, and community spaces designed to foster connection and stability.

The goal is to create a replicable model that can be used by other churches and organizations across California and beyond. If one church can do it, why not ten? Why not a hundred? With the passage of SB4, which makes it easier for faith-based organizations to build housing on their land, there’s never been a better time to expand this model and bring real solutions to the housing crisis.

People’s Housing is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a movement to rethink how we create homes for those who need them most. By bringing together landowners, investors, and local communities, the organization is proving that affordable housing doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to start.

Goals of People’s Housing

At People’s Housing, our mission is to create a new model for affordable housing—one that is faster, more sustainable, and community-driven. The housing crisis in California has left many struggling to find stable, affordable places to live, and the traditional methods of building low-income housing often take years of bureaucracy, funding delays, and excessive costs. We believe there’s a better way.

By partnering with churches, faith-based organizations, and other mission-driven property owners, we are developing small-scale affordable housing projects that can be built efficiently and provide immediate relief to those in need. Below are the core goals that drive our work:

1. Build Affordable Housing Without Government Red Tape

One of the biggest barriers to creating affordable housing is the complex and slow-moving public funding process. Traditional models rely heavily on government tax credits and subsidies, which come with restrictions, delays, and the risk of funds drying up before a project ever gets built. Instead, People’s Housing uses a private-sector model that leverages local investment, philanthropy, and bank loans to get housing built faster and more efficiently.

2. Partner with Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Many churches and religious institutions have extra land that could be used to help their communities, but they often lack the expertise, resources, or confidence to take on a housing project. We bridge that gap, working closely with faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing directly on their property, turning underutilized land into a solution for homelessness and housing insecurity.

3. Create a Scalable, Replicable Model

Our goal is not just to build a single project—we want to change the way affordable housing is created. By developing a clear, streamlined model, we aim to inspire and empower other communities to replicate this approach across California and beyond. If one church can build a 10-unit housing project, why can’t hundreds of churches do the same?

4. Provide Housing for Those Who Need It Most

People’s Housing is deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations. Our projects prioritize housing for homeless seniors, single mothers with children, and low-income individuals who often struggle to secure stable housing even with rental assistance like Section 8 vouchers. By working with local service providers, we also ensure that residents receive case management, life skills training, and community support to help them build a stable future.

5. Build Community, Not Just Housing

At People’s Housing, we believe that affordable housing should be more than just a place to live—it should be a place to thrive. Our developments incorporate shared community spaces, encourage resident involvement, and foster strong support networks. Studies show that isolation is a key reason why individuals struggle to stay housed, and we are committed to creating welcoming, community-oriented environments that promote long-term stability.

6. Reduce Housing Costs Through Innovation

The high cost of affordable housing development is one of the biggest challenges facing California. By focusing on small, well-designed projects, securing low-cost land from churches, and avoiding the complexities of government subsidies, we are proving that affordable housing can be built for less while still being high-quality, sustainable, and financially viable.

7. Leverage New Laws Like SB4 to Expand Housing Opportunities

With the recent passage of SB4, faith-based organizations in California can now build affordable housing on their properties by right, meaning they no longer have to navigate local zoning laws that have historically slowed down or blocked new housing developments. People’s Housing is helping faith communities take advantage of this opportunity and turn their land into a force for good.

8. Engage Investors Who Want to Be Part of the Solution

We provide multiple pathways for people to support affordable housing development, including philanthropic donations and private investment opportunities. By offering fixed returns for passive investors, we create a sustainable funding model that benefits both investors and the communities we serve.

9. Break Ground on St. John’s House & Expand the Model

Our first project, St. John’s House in Aptos, is a 10-unit affordable housing development on land provided by St. John’s Episcopal Church. We have already secured over $1.5 million in funding and need $300,000 more to break ground. Once completed, this project will serve as a model for future People’s Housing developments, demonstrating how faith communities can take action to solve the housing crisis.

10. Inspire a Movement

At its core, People’s Housing is about more than just building apartments—it’s about changing the way we think about housing. We want to challenge outdated ideas about how affordable housing gets built, empower communities to take action, and create a movement that makes it easier for faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and investors to collaborate on real solutions.

By achieving these goals, People’s Housing is proving that we don’t have to wait for the government to solve the housing crisis—we can take action now, using local resources, smart financing, and strong community partnerships to create homes for those who need them most.