At DCG Strategies, we are thrilled to announce our pivotal role in the the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab, an initiative designed to empower faith-based organizations in San Francisco to develop affordable housing on their land. Funded by a generous grant from CRANKSTART foundation, and executed in partnership with the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC), this program offers a unique opportunity for congregations with underutilized properties to transform them into vital community assets and to contribute to alleviating the housing crisis in San Francisco.
What is the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab?
The SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab is a program aimed at providing faith communities in San Francisco with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to navigate the complexities of affordable housing development. With California’s SB-4 legislation providing a streamlined path for faith-based organizations to develop housing on their properties, the Accelerator Lab is designed to guide congregations through every stage of the process—from early planning and feasibility studies to securing funding and managing community impact.
Program Details:
The program consists of a series of free real estate education workshops as well as a select number of grants for Preliminary Feasibility Analyses for qualifying congregations. Congregations can apply here. Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 1, 2025.
Virtual Education Workshops Tailored for Faith-Based Organizations in San Francisco
The SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab will feature a series of expert-led webinars that break down the essential components of affordable housing development. Over the course of the program, participants will learn about everything from early feasibility studies to navigating legislative hurdles, ensuring that they are fully equipped to move forward with their housing projects. The aim of the workshops is not to make congregations experts in the development of affordable housing. Instead, the goal is to provide an overview of how to partner effectively with the team of professionals each congregation will engage with throughout the (often lengthy and complex) development process.
The webinars will cover the following key topics:
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Affordable Housing Development 101 – Part I: This introductory session will offer a practical overview of the early stages of affordable housing development, from conceptualization to feasibility studies. It will cover the roles of faith-based organizations in the process, ensuring that their mission and values align with the project goals. Participants will learn how to select and collaborate with development partners, manage risks, and ensure the development benefits their community. Recording available soon; event date was May 22, 2025.
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Affordable Housing Development 101 – Part II: This second session dives deeper into the feasibility studies and planning necessary for a successful project. Faith-based organizations will learn how to assess the physical, financial, and environmental factors of their properties, and how to apply for grants and resources to support pre-development efforts. Key topics include understanding the sustainability of projects and ensuring their long-term impact on the community. June 26, 2025 from 8:30AM to 9:30AM PT. Contact connect@dcgstrategies.com to register.
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Legislative and Policy Overview for Faith-Based Housing Development: This final session will focus on the legal landscape, specifically how SB-4 and other policies can help faith-based organizations develop affordable housing on their land. Experts from the San Francisco Planning Department will walk participants through key zoning changes, approval processes, and the new legislative benefits that make affordable housing projects faster and more accessible. July 17, 2025 from 8:30AM to 9:30AM PT. Contact connect@dcgstrategies.com to register.
DCG Strategies’ Role in the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab
At DCG Strategies, we are deeply committed to supporting faith-based organizations throughout the affordable housing development process. Our role in the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab is to provide the expertise and guidance needed to ensure these projects succeed. With over two decades of experience in real estate advisory and property planning, we help faith communities assess the feasibility of their properties, navigate zoning and regulatory challenges, and secure funding for their projects.
By partnering with the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC), we are able to offer these resources and expertise to congregations across the city, helping them transform their land into affordable housing that benefits the community and aligns with their faith-based values.
Why This Matters: Addressing San Francisco’s Housing Crisis
San Francisco is in the midst of a severe housing crisis, with thousands of families struggling to find affordable, safe, and stable homes. The SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab is an important step toward addressing this crisis by unlocking the potential of faith-based properties to provide much-needed affordable housing in the city.
Faith communities have always played a central role in San Francisco’s social fabric. Now, with the help of the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab, these organizations are uniquely positioned to respond to the housing needs of the most vulnerable residents. By engaging in affordable housing development, faith-based organizations can not only honor their mission but also directly contribute to the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity.
The Path Forward: Building Stronger Communities Together
At DCG Strategies, we are proud to be part of this transformative effort. Our work with the San Francisco Interfaith Council and Crankstart continues to reflect our commitment to creating thriving, inclusive communities through innovative real estate solutions.
We look forward to working alongside faith communities, developers, and local leaders as we accelerate the creation of affordable housing on faith-owned lands. Together, we can make a real difference in addressing San Francisco’s housing crisis.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the SB-4 Housing Accelerator Lab and how you can get involved in creating lasting change for San Francisco’s most vulnerable residents.
