©Aslan Housing Foundation
Housing isn’t just a personal issue for ministry staff—it’s a strategic challenge for the whole church. Whether you’re in a city core, a suburb affected by tech migration, or a region where demand outpaces housing stock, ministries across the country are confronting housing pressures that strain both staff stability and long-term mission.
At Aslan, we help churches and Christian nonprofits develop practical, scalable solutions. Here are six lessons that can help any church begin building a healthier housing ecosystem:
1. Plan Ahead—and Make Room for Donors and Investors
The healthiest ministries don’t wait for housing emergencies. They set goals, make plans, and create clear lanes for different types of support. Some donors give gifts; others want to invest. Some stakeholders or congregants offer capital; others have homes or land they’re willing to use for ministry. Clarity helps turn goodwill into real housing solutions.
2. Think Beyond the Parsonage
It’s not about unused parsonages—it’s about unused imagination. Many churches don’t think strategically about how to deploy their balance sheet for housing, or how to activate congregant-owned assets like ADUs or second homes. Could an ADU be added to an existing parsonage? Could the church help staff secure off-site housing with investor backing? These are solvable questions—if they’re asked early.
3. Get Housing Allowances Right (and Revisit Them Often)
The clergy housing allowance remains one of the most powerful tools for ministry sustainability—and one of the most underutilized. Too often, churches skip it because they’re unsure about eligibility, or because credentialing and HR systems don’t align. We help ministries document and update allowances correctly, ensuring staff aren’t missing out on thousands in tax-free benefits.
4. Build Systems, Not Exceptions
Benevolence is a blessing, but it’s not a strategy. Churches need clear, documented housing policies: how decisions are made, who qualifies, how rent is set, how subsidies are structured, and when equity sharing is appropriate. A transparent framework builds trust—and keeps the focus on mission.
5. Normalize the Conversation
Housing conversations don’t need to be awkward. When ministries build housing into hiring discussions, budget planning, and staff reviews, it becomes just another part of healthy organizational life. The alternative—silence and stress—leads to burnout and turnover.
6. Be a Connector, Not Just a Provider
You don’t have to own housing to help. Sometimes your best move is connecting a staff member to a shared equity fund, a congregant’s rental, or a regional partner’s portfolio. Whether you own, fund, refer, or co-invest, the key is creating pathways—not carrying the whole load alone.
Need help designing a housing policy? Creating an equity share? Right-sizing housing allowances? Attracting capital?
Aslan works with churches and Christian nonprofits to build systems that support housing in high-expense markets—without mission drift or burnout. Let’s build something lasting.