In my work at McGill University, and through my ongoing CEO interview series, I've found that the most valuable insights often emerge at the intersection of cultures. We tend to look far afield: to Europe, Asia, or emerging markets.

But recently, in a conversation in Montreal with Graham Singh, CEO of the social enterprise Relèven, I was reminded that some of the most striking contrasts exist much closer to home.

Singh had just returned from a faith-based real estate conference in Dallas. At a time when cross-border tensions have slowed the usual flow of Canada–U.S. exchange, he had been moving in the opposite direction, quietly exploring a challenge that rarely makes headlines but is reshaping cities across North America. It starts, of all things, with churches.

Harcourt Memorial United Church is working with Relèven Realty Brokerage Foundation to repurpose part of its land

Through working with Relèven Realty Brokerage Foundation, the church is renting out some of its spaces to other local organizations

Churches are struggling. Putting homes on their properties could save them. Research suggests faith groups facing strain could lean into the value of their land to renew their purpose and finances.

Watch or listen to Rev. Graham Singh, Founder and CEO of Relèven, being interviewed by Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Graham, who is also an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada, talks about his role in helping to transform underutilized churches into community hubs and affordable housing. He is committed to the revitalization of church buildings, facilitating positive change, and honouring the traditions of the past while giving space to the next generation.

A national call to action by Releven is asking leaders to repurpose their underutilized faith-based spaces and commit to solving homelessness by signing the Winnipeg Declaration.

A national organization is working with four struggling churches in Winnipeg to repurpose land into affordable housing.

Relèven, which is based in Montreal, announced its “Winnipeg declaration” Thursday in an effort to address homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in Canada.

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There’s a perfect storm happening right now. Attendance at faith institutions is dwindling. In many areas, these places of worship get preferred tax status, or don’t pay property tax at all. Still, because of shrinking attendances and fundraising efforts, many of the building are falling into disrepair. Surrounding parking lots are empty.

It used to be the churches, mosques, synagogues and temples were on the lookout for converts.

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Now, many of them are looking to be converted.

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There’s a perfect storm happening right now. Attendance at faith institutions is dwindling. In many areas, these places of worship get preferred tax status, or don’t pay property tax at all. Still, because of shrinking attendances and fundraising efforts, many of the building are falling into disrepair. Surrounding parking lots are empty.