Press Release: Relèven Launches Relèven Realty Brokerage Foundation
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.
Real Estate Magazine: Charity-owned brokerage aims to reshape church property sales across Canada
Over the next eight years, 4,000 church properties are expected to change hands. That figure might translate to big dollar signs in the eyes of some Realtors, but to others it’s an opportunity to better the communities they serve, says Corey de Villiers, managing director of Releven Realty Brokerage Foundation.
Rethinking Sacred Spaces: A Path Toward Community Wellbeing and Affordable Housing
As faith-built properties across Canada face closure, the Canadian Urban Institute’s Sacred Spaces, Civic Value report highlights how these spaces can be reimagined as vital civic infrastructure. The findings align closely with Releven’s mission to transform underutilized sacred sites into affordable housing and community hubs—preserving heritage while meeting urgent social needs.
The Conversation : Churches don’t pay taxes. Should they
From his office at St. James the Apostle, a 160-year-old Anglican church in downtown Montréal, Rev. Graham Singh is telling us about taxes. “Churches don’t like to talk about wealth. They almost pretend as though they’re poor.” In fact, as he points out, Christian churches in North America are the largest single landowning category of the charitable sector.
La Presse / Plus de 15 lieux de culte québécois réhabilités grâce à un nouveau fonds
Federal government invests in the Community Housing Sector
We’re thrilled to share that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is investing in Relèven to power the transformation of faith-based lands into affordable housing!
Through this investment, we’re developing an AI-powered toolkit that will help communities across the country unlock the potential of surplus religious properties, ensuring they serve future generations as vibrant, sustainable housing solutions.
Faith-based lands have long been at the heart of our communities. Now, with cutting-edge data-driven tools, we’re equipping congregations, municipalities, and housing organizations to navigate the transition from church closures to community-driven housing solutions.
We’re proud to be part of a bold, innovative approach to tackling Canada’s housing crisis. Stay tuned for more updates on how this initiative will bring new life to faith properties and create homes for those in need.
