47 Small City Housing • Feature • Connection Do you know of any mixed-income smaller developers that have tried to do these types of conversion projects? What are the obstacles for developers in working with churches to develop housing? Lex (20’s, trans masculine) Was raised in the foster care system and at present, like many of his generation, they are joining churches, looking for deeper meaning and spirituality. They are squatting in the church. Lex is conservative Republican who has experienced broken and abused systems and believes that communities, not government, are the solutions. They are the newest member of the church and serve as the Deacon (no one else wanted to do the job). How do younger congregants relate to the idea of “sacred partnering”? What are the solutions that aren’t solely based on subsidies for developing affordable housing? Aaron (70’s, male) Dealing with the high cost of housing, Aaron has to take every job that comes his way. He’s just trying to make ends meet and currently living out of his van. He’s trying to be a “Vanlife Influencer” but he’s also a Lyft driver, unlicensed electrician, roofer, plumber, and was recently elected to City Council. He works too much to have time to go to church. Unsurprisingly, he’s become a jack of all trades and master of none. Always there when you don’t want him. He is the same character working different jobs. When he’s doing a job, he takes on the persona of that position, but he’s the same person.
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