Preface

As part of Calvary’s Renewal Process and our call to live out our Values (Belong, Believe, Become, Bring, Brave), we have explored how Calvary can meaningfully address the community’s urgent housing needs—both affordable homeownership and safe transitional housing. This vision uses a portion of Calvary’s underdeveloped land and, more importantly, calls us to walk alongside neighbors in long-term, Christ-centered relationships. We expect to partner with Lakeshore Habitat to develop owner-occupied homes and a local contractor to build transitional housing. Calvary’s unique role is equipping our congregation to form deep, supportive relationships with future residents.

Key Messages

  • Affordable, quality housing provides stability, safety, belonging, hospitality, community, and long-term financial strength.

  • The need is significant: 35% of local households struggle to afford housing, often spending 50%+ of income on it.

  • Transitional housing is also in high demand. Below-market rent with supportive programming helps individuals recovering from financial hardship, abuse, addiction, or crisis move toward stability and homeownership.

  • The proposed transitional townhomes would also support permanent housing needs for local special-needs residents.

  • Calvary has ample undeveloped land (27.77 acres total) and a strong history of local mission. Our current transitional homes are outdated; this proposal enables both replacement and expansion.

  • Because of partner and government processes, development would likely begin no earlier than late 2026. Full completion may take 3–5 years.

Donate most of Calvary’s 4.8 acres to Habitat for the construction of 15 single-family homes (3 bed/2 bath/garage) with a modest HOA for exterior maintenance.

  • Calvary members will support Habitat construction, provide homeowner and budget counseling, join Community Teams, and offer relational and spiritual support to new neighbors.

  • Donate most of the 4.8 acres to Habitat for the construction of 15 single-family homes (3 bed/2 bath/garage) with a modest HOA for exterior maintenance.

  • Retain land for six Calvary-owned transitional townhomes (three duplexes; 3 bed/1.5 bath/garage). Units will be managed by Good Samaritan Ministries and operated by My House Ministries, Harmony Communities, and/or Calvary.

  • If the proposal is approved, form an implementation team to lead fundraising, construction oversight, and ministry coordination.

  • Consider, at a later date, shared green spaces and potential updates to the corner house, possibly funded by selling the western portion of that property.

Ministry Opportunities

Call to Congregational Prayer between December 21 to January 11.

Finances

  • Calvary will gift most of the 4.8 acres to Habitat, who will sell homes to qualified program buyers.

  • Three lots will be reserved for Calvary owned transitional units. Transitional homes are estimated to cost $300,000 each; with six units, total cost is $1.8M, plus $200,000 contingency for a total capital need of $2M. Construction will proceed in phases as funding allows.

  • A capital campaign seeking $2M from Calvary and the broader community could begin as early as Fall 2026 and run 2–3 years.

  • The CRC Church Loan Fund may provide up to $1.5M at ~5.75% interest, with 20-year terms and 5–10-year renewals. If the proposal is approved, we expect to request a contingency fund of $25,000 for professional fees.

  • My House Ministries units will rent well below market; Harmony Communities units closer to market rates.

  • Calvary’s future operating budget ought to include maintenance resources at 2% of replacement value, offset by rental income. Estimated net annual cost: $14,000–$15,000 per duplex beginning at occupancy, with unused funds rolled into long-term savings. Staffing impact remains undefined.

Next Steps

  • You are invited to one of two town halls: Dec 7 (11am) in the Sanctuary or Dec 10 (6:15pm) in Flex Room

  • Call to congregational prayer between December 21 to January 11.

  • Congregation voting process January 11 to 13.

  • The Elder team will consider congregational voting results leading to a final decision.