November 2025Faith-based organizations control nearly 4,860 developable parcels across Massachusetts, totaling more than 20,000 acres, making them uniquely valuable for housing development. Many are near transit, have utility access, and sit in walkable areas, with an average size of four acres—large enough for substantial projects.
“We do not have another option here in Massachusetts,” said Katie Everett, Executive Director of the Lynch Foundation. “We are not getting any bigger. In fact, we’re probably getting smaller due to environmental challenges… This is it.”
Under current guidelines, developments of 30–50 units per acre must include 20–25% of units as affordable, depending on size and income level, creating a major opportunity to expand affordable housing on these parcels.