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Senior Affordable Housing Project

Detailed Report on the Development of Affordable Housing for Seniors

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The United Methodist Church of Summit

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March 2025

Detailed Report on the Development of Affordable Housing for Seniors within the Existing Education Building of The United Methodist Church of Summit, NJ

I. Mission 

The mission statement of The United Methodist Church of Summit reads: 

“The United Methodist Church of Summit is a diverse church committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ, dedicated to building disciples, passionate about growing in faith, and motivated to be a voice of hope for the world. Our four core values are: Serve, Build, Grow, Witness.”

The following detailed report on the development of Affordable Housing for Seniors within the existing Education Building of the United Methodist Church of Summit is a faithful testimony to our commitment to our four core values of Serve, Build, Grow, and Witness.

The United Methodist Church of Summit has spent the last few years reviewing our financial situation and exploring various avenues for sustainability. Despite our best efforts, the church faces significant financial challenges that threaten the church’s ability to continue operating as, mainly stemming from the cost of maintaining our expansive property. In order to remain viable and fulfill God’s mission, the United Methodist Church of Summit had to consider several difficult options:

  1. Selling the Education Building and 1910 Social Hall/Green Room – This action would help alleviate immediate financial pressures, however, it would involve giving up a large portion of the church’s physical space used for current mission and ministries, as well as alter the church’s ability to continue offering worship services, events, and programming relevant to the community and continues growth.
  2. Starting the Process of Closing or Merging the Church – While this is an option the church deeply wishes to avoid, it may become necessary if other solutions are not viable within the next five years.
  3. Repurposing Part of the Property into Affordable Housing for Seniors – This option would involve transforming the Education Building and part of the 1910 building into affordable housing for seniors, allowing the church to generate income to sustain its ministry operations while continuing to serve the community in a new and impactful way.

Currently, the waiting list for affordable senior housing in the City of Summit, NJ, surpasses three-hundred in-need applicants. Many of these senior citizens have lived in Summit their whole lives, however, now find they are priced out of their homes by inflation and increased property taxes.  In addition to Summit residents, the state of New Jersey as a whole carries a shortage of roughly 214,000 affordable homes for extremely low-income renters, and a significant portion of that need stems from the lack of affordable housing for seniors.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) Reads: The Fellowship of the Believers

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

The need for affordable senior housing aligns closely with the mission of the earliest Christian movement in the context of our abundance of our church property in the city of Summit.  Here are a few key ways they connect:

  1. Caring for the Vulnerable – Christ-followers, and Methodism in particular, emphasize the importance of caring for the elderly, widows, and those in need. Providing affordable senior housing is a tangible way for our church to live out this Biblical mission.
  2. Community and Fellowship – Seniors often face isolation, and our church seeks to build strong, supportive communities. Affordable housing connected to our church allows seniors to remain engaged in worship, social activities, and pastoral care.  We have already experienced this need with visitors and worshippers from the city’s affordable senior housing complex which is in close proximity to the church.
  3. Promoting Dignity and Quality of Life – Ensuring seniors have access to safe, stable housing reflects the belief that every individual deserves to age with dignity, respect, and security.
  4. Using Resources for Service – The United Methodist Church of Summit owns land or have connections to funding sources that can be leveraged to support senior housing initiatives, partnering with local organizations to address this critical need.
  5. Faith in Action – Many churches emphasize social justice and outreach. Addressing the housing needs of seniors is a practical way to embody faith-based values and respond to the real challenges faced by the aging population.

II. Executive Summary

Project Overview: The United Methodist Church of Summit seeks to leverage its property assets to develop an affordable housing project for seniors in accordance with Paragraph 2544 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline. This initiative aligns with the church’s mission of service, hospitality, and community transformation, addressing the growing need for safe, affordable housing for low-income seniors within our community. By repurposing our underutilized Education building, this project will provide dignified living spaces while fostering an environment of care and engagement. 

Project Objectives: 

• Working with experts from the Bergen United Way and United Methodist Communities, we will develop and maintain affordable, sustainable housing units tailored for senior citizens. 

• Create a community-centric living environment that offers spiritual and social support. 

• Ensure financial sustainability through strategic partnerships, grants, and responsible property stewardship. 

• Strengthen the church’s missional outreach by integrating faith-based programs into resident services. 

Alignment with Paragraph 2541 of the UM Book of Discipline: Per Paragraph 2541, the church is authorized to develop and utilize real property for missional purposes, ensuring assets are used for community benefit. This initiative is in direct response to the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:35- 40), demonstrating faithful stewardship by repurposing property to serve a critical social need. 

Cost: The initial capital for the project is estimated at $2.75 million. All potential financing would be grants and/or non-recourse mortgage financing.  No payments required as long as project operates as affordable housing for at least 30 years.

Missional Impact: 

1. Congregational Renewal: The project will invigorate the church’s ministry by providing new opportunities for service, outreach, and inter-generational engagement. 

2. Community Transformation: The housing initiative will reduce homelessness and housing insecurity among seniors, promoting stability and well-being. 

3. Spiritual and Social Support: Through resident-focused ministry, pastoral care, and community partnerships, the project will enrich the lives of both residents and volunteers. 

4. Economic and Sustainable Growth: The initiative ensures long-term financial viability for the church while demonstrating responsible property stewardship.

III. Detailed Report

1. Introduction This report outlines the necessary steps for repurposing an existing education building of the United Methodist Church of Summit into affordable senior housing, utilizing paragraph 2544.c of the United Methodist Book of Discipline. The development process is multifaceted and involves legal, financial, architectural, and community engagement considerations.

2. Understanding Paragraph 2544.c of the United Methodist Book of Discipline Paragraph 2544.c provides guidelines for the sale, lease, or repurposing of church property for community service projects. It emphasizes the role of the congregation, district superintendent, and district board of location and building in approving such projects to ensure they align with the United Methodist Church’s mission and local community needs.

3. Assessing the Existing Education Building A thorough assessment of the church’s education building has been completed as of August, 2024. This assessment included:

  • Structural integrity evaluation.
  • Zoning and code compliance analysis.
  • Accessibility considerations for senior residents.
  • Utility and infrastructure upgrades.

4. Securing Church and Conference Approval The development must be approved by the local church leadership and the United Methodist Conference. 

  • On February 20th, 2025; a detailed proposal was presented to the Church Council.
  • On February 27th, 2025; a detailed presentation was presented to the Church Council by the Bergen United Way and Z Architects.
  • On March 9th, 2025; the UMC of Summit Board of Trustees voted to move forward with the project.
  • On March 10th, 2025; the UMC of Summit Administrative Council voted to move forward with the project.
  • There has been ongoing consulting with the district superintendent and the Executive Summary was presented to the Bishop and Cabinet on February 11th, 2025.
  • Submitting the plan for review to the District Board of Location and Buildings – April 1st, 2025.
  • Holding a Charge Conference to secure final congregational/denominational approval – April 15th, 2025.

5. Engaging Stakeholders and Forming Partnerships A collaborative approach is essential for success. Key stakeholders include:

  • The City of Summit has sent a Memorandum of Understanding – under legal review as of 3/27/25 for zoning approvals and potential subsidies.
  • Nonprofit housing organizations for development support – Bergen United Way
  • Financial institutions for securing grants and funding – the City of Summit’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, NJ Department of Community Affairs, and Federal Home Loan Bank
  • Community members to ensure local needs are met – Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, Summit Interfaith Council, Dennis White of Summit Affordable Housing Corporation

6. Securing Funding and Financial Planning The affordability of the housing units will be ensured through diverse funding sources, such as:

  • Federal and state grants (Federal Home Loan Bank)
  • The City of Summit Affordable Housing Trust Fund
  • NJ Department of Community Affairs

7. Designing the Housing Units Z Architects, a professional architectural firm specializing in affordable housing, has been engaged to create a design that includes:

  • Design principles for accessibility.
  • Adequate safety measures (e.g., emergency call systems, secure entryways).
  • Communal spaces for social interaction. (Existing Chapel)
  • Sustainable and energy-efficient features. (energy efficient systems in each unit)
  • Preliminary plans attached, Attachment #1.

9. Construction and Renovation Phase: Structured timeline Attachment #2

10. Establishing an Operational and Management Plan Once construction is complete, the Bergen United Way will oversee operations. This includes:

  • Hiring staff for property maintenance and resident services.
  • Setting rental policies and affordability guidelines.
  • Partnering with social service agencies for resident support programs.
  • Establishing a governance structure with church oversight.

11. Community Engagement and Resident Selection Community involvement is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Steps include:

  • Hosting informational meetings with potential residents and their families.
  • Creating transparent eligibility criteria for residency.
  • Collaborating with senior advocacy groups to identify eligible candidates.
  • Offering orientation sessions for new residents.

12. Long-Term Sustainability and Impact Measurement Sustaining the housing project requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation:

  • Establishing financial reserves for maintenance and future upgrades.
  • Conducting regular resident satisfaction surveys.
  • Partnering with research institutions for impact assessment.
  • Maintaining open communication with church leadership and the broader community.

13. Church’s Long-Term Vision and Purpose The church’s mission in the community is to provide compassionate, faith-driven service. This project aligns with the church’s long-term vision of addressing housing insecurity among seniors while fostering a supportive, Christ-centered living environment. By repurposing the education building, the church ensures that its resources remain dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of the community.

14. Why This Decision is Necessary The church is being called to make this decision due to several factors:

  • Missional: The growing need for affordable senior housing in the community.
  • Financial: The opportunity to generate sustainable revenue while fulfilling the church’s mission.
  • Operational: Ensuring better utilization of underused church property to maintain relevance and service impact.

15. How This Property Action Supports or Challenges Mission Goals

  • Supports: Enhances the church’s mission by addressing a critical community need, fostering stronger partnerships, and ensuring sustainable church operations.
  • Challenges: Requires significant restructuring to support the transition.

16. SMART Goals and Project Timeline

  • Specific: Develop a 13-unit senior housing complex within 24 months.
  • Measurable: Secure at least $2.7M in funding within 12 months.
  • Achievable: Partner with three funding organizations: The City of Summit, Federal Home Loan Bank, NJ Department of Community affairs.
  • Relevant: Aligns with the church’s mission to Build, Learn, Serve, Grow.
  • Timely: Completion target by 2027.