“We Can End Homelessness in Canada”: The Winnipeg Declaration Asks Faith Leaders to Turn Empty Church Land Into Homes

• The charity Releven launched the Winnipeg Declaration urging faith groups to use underused property for affordable housing
• About a third of Canada’s 27,000 religious buildings could close within a decade
• The initial funding goal is $50 million over 14 years
• Examples include a planned 110-unit tower at All Saints Anglican in Winnipeg

A national campaign is calling on Canada’s faith leaders to turn underused religious property into affordable housing, Future of Good reported in February 2026. The Winnipeg Declaration was launched by Releven, a Canadian charity that helps faith communities with their buildings.

The campaign points to the scale of the problem. Nearly 60,000 people are homeless on any given night in Canada, while about a third of the country’s 27,000 religious buildings could close in the next decade. Its initial funding goal is $50 million over 14 years.

The report cited several projects. All Saints Anglican Church in Winnipeg is behind West Broadway Commons, a 12-storey, 110-unit building with more than half the units affordable. Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria is planning about 500 homes. Historic St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kitchener is creating 57 affordable seniors’ homes, and First United Church in Vancouver is building housing and a support centre.

Leaders named in the report included Releven chief executive Graham Singh, Father Rob Schoeck of All Saints Anglican, Leanne Sawatzky of Simon Fraser University’s Renewable Cities and Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets. “We can end homelessness in Canada. There’s no doubt about it,” said Singh.

The declaration turns church land from a problem into part of the solution to a national housing crisis. Jamaica has its own housing shortage and many churches with land in towns and villages. A similar national compact, bringing denominations, government and funders together, could unlock church land for affordable homes. Jamaican congregations in Canada may also find themselves part of these projects as partners or tenants.

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