Welcome to Let Spirit Lead, Inc.

Let Spirit Lead is a 501c3 nonprofit organization on a mission to ensure that every American has access to safe, decent, affordable housing in a thriving, resilient, and sustainable community. We are revolutionizing the community development and affordable housing space using innovation, coaching, and consulting.

The Need for Affordable Housing

The affordable housing crisis in the United States is a pressing issue that demands immediate and innovative solutions. Based in the Inland Empire of Southern California, Let Spirit Lead is deeply committed to ensuring that every American has access to safe, decent, affordable housing within thriving, resilient, and sustainable communities. Recent statistics highlight the magnitude of this crisis: nearly half of all renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and a quarter of renters spend more than 50%, classifying them as “severely cost-burdened” (Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2020). These burdens disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic households, who are more likely to experience housing instability due to systemic disparities in income, wealth, and access to affordable housing. The effects of housing instability on American families are profound and multifaceted, impacting mental and physical health, educational outcomes for children, and the ability to secure stable employment. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the intersection of housing instability and health vulnerabilities has further underscored the urgency of addressing this crisis.

The crisis in affordable homeownership opportunities in America is stark, with significant disparities across different demographic groups. According to the National Association of Realtors (2021), the homeownership rate among white Americans stands at approximately 72%, compared to 42% for Black Americans, 48% for Hispanic Americans, and 60% for Asian Americans. This gap underscores the systemic challenges and struggles faced by marginalized groups in achieving homeownership. Black Americans, in particular, are the most likely to experience these challenges due to factors such as income disparity, lack of access to affordable financing, and historical policies like redlining that have systematically excluded them from homeownership opportunities. These disparities not only reflect the ongoing issue of racial injustices in the United States but also highlight the critical need for targeted policy interventions and innovative solutions to promote affordable homeownership opportunities for all, particularly for those demographic groups most affected by these challenges. As an organization led by a Black woman and located in a region acutely affected by these challenges, Let Spirit Lead is intensely aware of the need for targeted, innovative strategies to address the root causes of the affordable housing crisis and to ensure equitable access to housing solutions for all, especially those communities historically marginalized and most at risk of housing instability.

The Affordability Crisis in California

The affordable housing crisis in California is among the most severe in the United States, exhibiting unique challenges that set it apart from the national landscape. According to the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC), as of 2021, California needed an additional 1.3 million affordable rental homes to meet the demand of low-income renters. This shortfall is significantly higher than in most other states, highlighting the acute nature of California’s housing crisis. The median home price in California exceeds $700,000, which is more than double the national median, underscoring the state’s unique affordability challenges (California Association of Realtors, 2021). Factors contributing to California’s distinct crisis include a combination of high land costs, strict zoning and building regulations, and a lengthy development process that together exacerbate the scarcity of affordable housing. Moreover, the state’s robust economy and desirability as a place to live have led to a demand for housing that far outstrips supply, particularly in coastal areas and major urban centers like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. These factors, combined with income inequality and a significant population of homeless individuals, illustrate why the affordable housing crisis in California requires innovative, state-specific solutions to address its unique challenges.

Southern California Housing Affordability: Ground Zero

The Inland Empire: California’s “Racist South” as the Diamond in the Rough

The Inland Empire region of Southern California, encompassing Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties, faces a distinctive set of challenges in its affordable housing crisis, diverging in several ways from the broader Southern California context. Unlike its coastal neighbors, the Inland Empire has traditionally offered more affordable housing options, attracting families and individuals priced out of the Los Angeles and San Diego markets. However, as demand has surged, so too have prices, yet without a commensurate rise in local incomes. This affordability gap is exacerbated by the region’s rapid population growth, leading to increased competition for housing and driving up prices further. Additionally, the Inland Empire’s economic base, heavily reliant on logistics and warehousing, often offers jobs that do not pay enough to meet the rising cost of living, deepening the affordability crisis.

The political climate in the Inland Empire also significantly influences the region’s approach to addressing affordable housing. Historically, the area has had a more conservative political stance compared to the coastal metropolitan areas of Southern California, which can affect local policies and priorities around land use, zoning, and development. This conservatism contributes to a slower adoption of policies that promote high-density housing or reduce barriers to the development of affordable housing. Moreover, racial injustices and disparities have played a critical role in shaping the political environment of the Inland Empire, impacting the affordable housing crisis and the local real estate market more generally. Communities of color in the region have historically faced systemic barriers to homeownership and affordable housing, including discriminatory lending practices and zoning laws, which have perpetuated economic and racial segregation.

Despite these challenges, the Inland Empire presents unique opportunities for advancements in innovative affordable housing solutions. The region’s vast land area, compared to the more densely populated coastal areas, offers potential for the development of new housing projects that can incorporate innovative design, sustainability practices, and affordability. There’s also a growing recognition of the need to address housing affordability through collaborative efforts that bring together government, non-profits, and the private sector. Initiatives that focus on transit-oriented development, the repurposing of underutilized properties, and the integration of smart technology in housing can serve as models for sustainable community development. Moreover, as awareness of the importance of affordable housing continues to grow, there is an opportunity for the Inland Empire to lead in creating inclusive policies that address the needs of its diverse population, leveraging its unique position to pilot programs that could serve as blueprints for other regions facing similar challenges.

The Role of Churches and Faith-Based Organizations in Affordable Housing

Churches and faith-based organizations have historically played a significant role in addressing social issues in America, including the affordable housing crisis. Their involvement ranges from providing temporary shelter and emergency housing to advocating for policy changes and developing affordable housing projects. Despite their contributions, these organizations are often overlooked in discussions about solutions to the housing crisis. This oversight can be attributed to the secular nature of policy discussions and development debates, which frequently fail to recognize the potential of faith-based organizations to contribute land, resources, and a committed volunteer base to affordable housing initiatives.

In California, where the affordable housing crisis is particularly acute, faith-based organizations and churches have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role, thanks in part to new legislation that recognizes and supports their potential contributions. For example, recent legislation such as Assembly Bill 1851 and Senate Bill 899 has made it easier for faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties. These laws aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and zoning restrictions, enabling churches and other faith-based entities to more easily convert their underutilized land into housing developments. This legislative support acknowledges the substantial landholdings of many religious organizations in prime locations that could be leveraged to alleviate the housing shortage.

However, to fully engage in the development of affordable housing, churches and faith-based organizations require access to development expertise, financing, and partnerships with government and private developers. Many of these entities possess the will to contribute to solving the housing crisis but lack the technical knowledge and resources to navigate the complex process of real estate development. Providing these organizations with tailored support, such as training in housing development, access to predevelopment financing, and streamlined approval processes, would enable them to contribute more effectively. The engagement of faith-based organizations in affordable housing development not only increases the supply of housing but also ensures that developments are rooted in community values and support networks, offering a holistic approach to residents’ needs. The potential for churches and faith-based organizations to impact the affordable housing landscape in California is significant, given their widespread presence and deep community ties. Recognizing and supporting their role could unlock vast resources for affordable housing, demonstrating a model of collaboration that could inspire similar efforts across the nation.

The Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Consulting and Coaching Program

Let Spirit Lead, Inc. is proud to introduce the “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) Coaching and Consulting Program. The YIGBY Pilot Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower churches and faith-based organizations throughout the Inland Empire region of Southern California to actively participate in the development of affordable housing. As a nonprofit focused on innovation, consulting, and coaching in the affordable housing sector, Let Spirit Lead is uniquely tailored to help address an organization’s critical need for development expertise, financing, and strategic partnerships within the faith-based community.

The YIGBY pilot program will initially encompass 50 churches and faith-based organizations, providing them with essential resources and support to navigate the complexities of real estate development for affordable housing. The program’s membership benefits are structured to ensure participants gain the knowledge, connections, and confidence needed to transform underutilized properties into vibrant housing solutions.

Membership Benefits

  1. Monthly General Meetings: Members will have access to monthly gatherings that offer comprehensive training sessions, the latest news in the local affordable housing landscape, and invaluable networking opportunities. These meetings will also cover updates on relevant legislative changes and insights into new affordable housing projects commencing in the region.
  2. One-on-One Consultation and Coaching: Each member organization will receive a 60-minute personal consultation and/or coaching session with Let Spirit Lead CEO/ED Felicia Brown. These sessions are designed to delve into the specific affordable housing project concepts or needs of the member organization. Additional consultations and coaching sessions will be made available to ensure ongoing support and guidance.
  3. Expert Introductions and Presentations: Program members will benefit from direct introductions to and presentations by industry experts and community development practitioners. These interactions aim to further the advancement and practical implementation of the members’ development plans, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge expertise and advice.

Additional Member Benefits Coming Soon

  • Access to Predevelopment Financing: Introduction to a fund or financial assistance specifically for predevelopment costs (such as feasibility studies, architectural designs, and legal fees) can significantly lower the barriers to initiating affordable housing projects.
  • Peer-to-Peer Learning Platforms: Creation of a digital forum or regular peer-to-peer learning sessions where members can share experiences, challenges, and solutions can foster a supportive community atmosphere and enhance collective knowledge.
  • Legislative Advocacy Training: Training on how to engage in legislative advocacy could empower organizations to support policy changes that facilitate easier development of affordable housing.
  • Project Showcasing Opportunities: Offering platforms such as annual conferences or digital showcases where member organizations can present their projects to potential investors, donors, and partners can help secure the necessary support and visibility for successful project implementation.

By incorporating these benefits into the YIGBY program, Let Spirit Lead aims to not only equip churches and faith-based organizations with the tools they need for successful affordable housing development but also to create a sustainable ecosystem that continuously supports the growth and diversification of affordable housing solutions in the Inland Empire region. To learn more about how to participate in the YIGBY Pilot Program, please send an email to hello@letspiritlead.org.