Religious institutions and nonprofit colleges in California could soon turn their parking lots and other properties into low-income housing to help combat the ongoing homeless crisis, lawmakers voted on Thursday.

The legislation would rezone land owned by nonprofit colleges and religious institutions, such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, to allow for affordable housing. They would be able to bypass most local permitting and environmental review rules that can be costly and lengthy.

California is home to 171,000 homeless people — about 30% of all homeless people in the U.S. The crisis has sparked a movement among religious institutions, dubbed “yes in God’s backyard,” or “YIGBY,” in cities across the state, with a number of projects already in the works.

  • Exeous@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    This seems like a good idea, but it would have to be carefully executed. I can see two outcomes:

    1. Works out well it’s well maintained and everyone is happy
    2. Nothing is maintained and turns into a shanty town with the areas downgrading fast.
    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago
      1. The religious assholes who own it force everyone to go to their church and support their sect.
      • glockenspiel@programming.dev
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        10 months ago

        Most likely outcome. These are the people famous for holding bologna sandwiches hostage from starving people until they agree to hear indoctrination pitches under duress.

      • maaj@lemmy.ca
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        10 months ago

        The mosques and synagogues would be chill, but yeah, the churchs will probably start tweaking out.

        • Texas_Hangover@lemm.ee
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          10 months ago

          Oh yeah 🙄 the notoriously tolerant of other belief system muslims. What the fuck have you been drinking?

          • maaj@lemmy.ca
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            10 months ago

            Sober 270 days, Texas Hangover. Your attitude towards me matches your username, and I’m disgusted that we may be fellow statesmen, if Texas is indeed your birthplace. Go on somewhere.

            • Texas_Hangover@lemm.ee
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              10 months ago

              Lol, if I’d been sober that long I’d probably be a pissy little cunt too. Cheers buddy!

              • maaj@lemmy.ca
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                10 months ago

                Lol, enjoy the liver damage and fuck whatever beliefs you have as well. Cheers!