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.

The National Trust, a charity which helps communities renew heritage places, estimates a third of Canadian religious buildings are at risk of closure. Today in Edmonton, a symposium will explore how those spaces can be transformed into affordable housing. Tai Ziola is an architect and partner with Dialog Design. Marisa Redmond is the executive director of the Right at Home Housing Society, which provides affordable housing in Edmonton.

Relèven Launches Relèven Realty Brokerage Foundation: The First Charity-Owned and Operated Real Estate Brokerage in Canada

Cambridge, ON – Releven is proud to announce the launch of Relèven Realty Brokerage Foundation (Releven Realty), Canada’s first charity-owned and operated real estate brokerage specialising in faith properties. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in the intersection of real estate and philanthropy, providing a unique opportunity for faith groups seeking to align property transitions with faith values and community impact.