how to find those places and work out a sustainable relationship. Moreover,
the congregation space can offer a landing-pad space for a nonprofit that
may seek to move on to its own dedicated space over time.
Strengthening the Safety Net
Though congregations have an average economic halo effect of $1.7
million, there may be an enormous potential to increase that value. When
vacant or underused spaces are shared with nonprofits, the “invisible safety
net” value increases. When new programs and activities are hosted by a
sacred place, more people are attracted to the building, increasing the
“magnet effect” as they spend money in the neighborhood. When new
programs spend their operational budgets in the neighborhood, or hire
local residents, the Halo value increases once again.
Building Social Capital
Because the local church or synagogue is trusted by parents, families,
and other key populations, they are a natural setting for programs and
events that help local residents form new bonds and take action in response
to local problems and opportunities. Congregations in the study reported,
on average, fostering 41 new relationships or friendships each year.
Additionally, each congregation taught pro-social values to an average of
92 youth each year.
In addition:
•Sacred places are often seen as safe and neutral places where civic
engagement can occur, and where civic issues can be wrestled with and
addressed.
•Sacred places host programs that attract significant volunteer
support, thousands of hours annually, and give residents an
opportunity to make friends and work in common cause.
•Sacred places are safe and welcoming places in an era where violence
and war have left scars on veterans and caused divisions in our
communities.
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