Yes in God's Backyard Act

This proposal helps turn unused land owned by faith groups and colleges into affordable apartments. It directs the housing agency to offer clear, public guides and hands-on help on how to plan, finance, and build or preserve rental homes on these properties. The guidance covers homes for people with very low incomes, people who are homeless or at risk (including veterans), people with disabilities, intergenerational families, and other special‑needs groups. It also shares best practices for picking development partners and for local governments to clear hurdles like zoning so more affordable homes can be built in well‑resourced areas. Affordable rent here means paying no more than 30% of a household’s income, with help aimed at households at or below the local median income .

It also sets up competitive “challenge” grants for states and local governments that already have policies to remove barriers to building or preserving affordable rentals on faith or college land. The housing agency must consult with other federal offices and make all resources public. The plan authorizes $25 million in 2026 and $10 million each year from 2027–2031 to carry it out .

• Who is affected: Faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, city/county governments, and residents who need lower-cost rentals, including people facing homelessness and people with disabilities .
• What changes: Free technical help and public guides; competitive grants for communities that cut red tape; focus on turning excess faith/college property into affordable rentals and preserving existing units .
• When: Funding is authorized starting in 2026, with additional funding through 2031 .