CHI Media

Yesterday, we had a Faith Walk on the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act from a park across the site to our Mt. Hope construction site. The Act facilitates faith-based institutions/houses of worship (churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, etc.) to build affordable housing on their land. It didn’t make the State budget, but major advocacy continues to figure out a way to make it on, post-budget. Ron Abad is part of the coalition that is working on this. Ron led the walk in coalition with Open New York (advocacy organization leading the lobbying efforts), Welcome Home Westchester, the NYS Council of Churches, and the faith-based institutions and electeds listed below.

As we know, land and zoning are two of the major initial hurdles needed for housing/real estate development. Throughout the country, particularly in our region, many faith-based institutions and houses of worship own underutilized land. For decades, many have desired to develop housing to address the community’s needs, but major barriers persist. This bill is one measure or tool to facilitate the development of more affordable housing. 

Co-led by Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Senior Pastor of Mt. Hope, and Rev. Kelly Rogers from Scarsdale Congregational. I was the main spokesperson and lead host. Friendly reminder: Mt. Hope is a 56-unit affordable housing residence in White Plains for seniors, with 20 of the 56 units for seniors with histories of homelessness. We, CHI, are the co-developer and joint venture partner on this project. This project is adjacent to the Mt. Hope Zion AME Church, a 200-year-old historic church in White Plains. 

In attendance:

Ron Abad, CEO of CHI (joint venture partner on Mt. Hope Plaza) and Pastor Freedom Hill Church 

Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Senior Pastor of Mt. Hope 

Dr. Kelly Rogers, Scarsdale Congregational Church, UCC

Rabbi Lester Bronstein, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue 

Westchester County Exec Ken Jenkins

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach

White Plains City Councilman Justin Brasch

Westchester County Board of Legislators Tyrae-Woodson Samuels 

New York State Council of Churches reps 

James Bason, Trufund

Welcome Home, Westchester and BRI Tim Foley