Affordable Housing: Building on Church and College Land
Also known as: Yes in God's Backyard Act
Legislative Progress
✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President
Key Points
This bill, introduced by Ms. Barragan and Mr. Obernolte, would provide money and expert help to religious groups and colleges that want to build affordable apartments on their property. The goal is to use land these organizations already own to create more places for people to live.
The program would focus on helping those most in need, including veterans, people with disabilities, and families with very low incomes. For these homes, rent would be capped at 30% of a family's income to ensure it stays affordable.
Congress would set aside $325 million between 2026 and 2031 for this effort. Most of the money would go toward "challenge grants" for local governments that agree to cut through red tape and make it easier for these groups to start construction.
The government would also provide technical training to help these organizations understand the business side of housing. This includes teaching them how to find construction partners, manage rental properties, and follow federal housing laws.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jan 7, 2026House
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Jan 7, 2026
Introduced in House
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Yes in God's Backyard Act
Bill NumberHR 6957
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
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