"Building on Faith" Affordable Housing Summit

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity (RMHFH) has been the grateful beneficiary of the commitment of the faith community for the past 23 years. RMHFH hopes to strengthen our faith partnerships through sharing knowledge and accessing area experts’ input regarding the new housing arena, and the challenges faced by low to moderately low income earners in Central Virginia. Faith leaders of the jurisdictions we serve are encouraged to participate in this summit to garner heightened awareness of affordable housing challenges and opportunities. RMHFH serves: the City of Richmond, and the counties of Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Henrico and New Kent. RMHFH was founded on the principles of the Christian religion. However, we support the “Theology of the Hammer”, or a community development process that engages peoples of all faiths, races, and ethnicities through volunteer service, Board of Directors membership, staffing, and client families. RMHFH has built and financed over 280 homes since 1986. We are also the largest non-profit housing provider of low to moderately-low income homeowner-occupied housing in the area. Please join us to hear the Mayor’s perspective both as a pastor and founder of Community Development Corporations in regards to the faith community’s role and responsibility. Special Topics by panel experts inlude: Affordable Housing Awareness – Laura Lafayette, President and CEO of the Richmond Realtors Association; RMHFH Board of Directors Regional Collaboration of Nonprofit Housing Providers - Lee Householder, President of the Richmond Regional Community Development Alliance and Executive Director of ElderHomes Theology of the Hammer as an Expression of Faith – Rev. Dr. Gordon Mapes, Pastor of the Brandermill Church, the largest union church in the Unites States Faith Communities Participating in Affordable Housing – Dr. Imad Damaj, President of the Virginia Muslim Coalition; RMHFH Board of Directors RMHFH’s Refreshed and Renewed Approach to Affordable Development – Leisha LaRiviere, Executive Director, RMHFH