Properties owned by faith-based organizations represent a largely untapped potential for community housing. Often well located and already integrated into their neighborhoods, these buildings can offer development opportunities where available land is scarce.
However, transforming these assets into concrete projects presents significant challenges. Between real estate considerations, financial structuring, and the mobilization of multiple partners, moving from interest to implementation remains a hurdle for many housing organizations.
This is precisely where Relèven steps in. The organization supports project structuring and partner mobilization to help transform these properties into community housing initiatives.
A strategic real estate portfolio
In Canada, faith-based organizations own a substantial real estate portfolio, much of which is now underused or in transition. These sites, often located in established and well-serviced neighborhoods, represent a strategic opportunity to develop community housing and other collective uses. To concretely support such projects, Relèven has developed a dedicated approach and appropriate financial mechanisms.
For many housing organizations, the early stages of the process remain particularly demanding. The repurposing of these properties is part of a broader effort to mobilize faith-owned real estate to meet community housing needs.
Several publications highlight the challenges associated with such projects and offer practical guides to support organizations.
For example, the guide Let’s Open Doors provides concrete pathways to support these efforts. Similarly, sector analyses, including those presented within CMHC’s ECoH community, highlight key elements: assessing real estate feasibility, exploring transformation scenarios, and engaging financial and municipal partners early.
Funding to support conversion and foster mobilization
In this context, dedicated financial mechanisms play a decisive role in bridging the gap between intention and implementation. In 2024, Relèven launched a $30 million fund to convert assets held by faith-based institutions into social-purpose assets, including community housing. This fund primarily aims to support the initial stages of projects. In Quebec alone, it is expected to support the redevelopment of more than fifteen properties owned by faith-based organizations.
Relèven has also received $250,000 from the Sector Transformation Fund – Sector Impact Projects of the Centre. This funding supports feasibility studies, professional services, and the development of tools to structure a dedicated investment fund.
Structuring projects from the earliest stages
Relèven operates early in the development process, identifying surplus faith-based real estate and supporting owners in exploring redevelopment scenarios.
This work includes real estate feasibility analysis, the development of tailored financial models, identification of financing mechanisms, and clarification of the legal frameworks required for these transformations.
Relèven streamlines processes and makes projects more accessible and understandable for partners and investors, thereby facilitating access to both public and private funding. For community housing organizations, this approach not only reduces the uncertainties associated with the initial stages of projects but also provides access to sites that would otherwise be difficult to acquire.
By mobilizing social finance tools, Relèven helps keep these properties within the community sphere, facilitating their acquisition and transformation into affordable housing or collective spaces. In a context where many organizations are facing increasing financial pressure, these mechanisms also support projects in neighborhoods where needs are greatest.
The organization operates at the national level, notably through a Solutions Lab supported by CMHC, aimed at identifying high-potential properties and preparing them for transformation.
A concrete example illustrates this approach. In Montreal, the St-Jax project brings together some fifty organizations to repurpose a 30,000-square-foot heritage designated church. Relèven contributed to structuring the project, mobilizing partners, and setting up a financial model combining donations, grants, and investments through community bonds.
Turning potential into viable projects
The repurposing of properties owned by religious organizations therefore represents a strategic pathway for community housing, particularly in the context of land scarcity and increasing pressure on available sites.
At a time when many faith-based communities are seeking to determine the future of their properties, this type of support can open new possibilities for the development of community housing and other collective uses.
To learn more about funding opportunities and support:
→ Explore the Sector Transformation Fund – Sector Impact Projects
→ Learn more about Relèven’s financing solutions
