Building Equity by Faith in the Heart of Hyattsville

Building Project: "Sanctuary" at Hyattsville Crossing

First UMC Hyattsville Advances Mission to Transform Church Land into Affordable Senior Housing

Support the Building Project

For the past three years, the First UMC Hyattsville Building Committee has been in a season of deep discernment and diligent labor. This dedicated group, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace-Penn, has spent over 3 years organizing complex logistics, coordinating with urban planners, and initiating the fundraising efforts necessary to turn underutilized land into a life-changing resource.
 
"We believe that housing is more than a commodity—it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of human dignity," said one member of the committee. Our senior Pastor, Rev. Penn has stated "Our committee’s work over these last three years has been driven by the conviction that our property at 6201 Belcrest Rd. belongs to God, and therefore must be used to meet the most pressing needs of our neighbors."

Located adjacent to the Hyattsville Crossing Metro station, the development is designed to be a literal sanctuary for those being priced out of their own neighborhoods.

In collaboration with developers at Pennrose and the nonprofit Sanctuary AP3, the building project will feature 120 units of high-quality housing, 30% of which are apartments reserved specifically for formerly homeless households.

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Isaiah 58:7 (NLT) Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the church getting involved in real estate and housing?
A: We view this not as a real estate venture, but as a land-based ministry. Scripture tells us that "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). For three years, our Building Committee has discerned that our underutilized land is a gift from God intended to address the housing crisis. By providing 120 units of affordable housing, we are living out our call to love our neighbors as ourselves and ensuring our "physical footprint" serves the most vulnerable.

Q: What is the building committee's role in developing this project?
A: The building committee is tasked with undertaking initial predevelopment work:

• Assessing the impact of new initiatives on the church’s ministries
  
• Undertaking feasibility studies to determine project’s costs and resources to complete project
• Exploring joint venture partnerships
  
• Building support for the project from our church and community

Q: How does this project align with our United Methodist values?
A: The United Methodist Social Principles state that "We hold governments potentially responsible for the protection of people's right to free and fair elections... and to adequate food, clothing, "shelter", education, and health care." By prioritizing seniors and those experiencing homelessness, we are putting our social holiness into practice.
Under Health Care, the UM Social Principles state: “We believe that everyone has a right to decent living conditions, including adequate food and water, safe housing and a healthy environment.
Under Elders & the Aging it’s stated: “We urge the church, governments, and civil society to develop and enact social policies and programs that provide for the needs and rights of people as they age. We support social policies that integrate elders into community life and guarantee resources for their well-being, including nondiscriminatory employment opportunities, educational and service opportunities, accessible medical care and housing, protection from economic or psychological exploitation, and high-quality, publicly assisted elder care.
Under Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees the principles state: “We urge United Methodists to welcome migrants, refugees, and immigrants into their congregations and to commit themselves to providing concrete support, including help with navigating restrictive and often lengthy immigration policies, and assistance with securing food, housing, education, employment and other kinds of support. We oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees.
Under People with Disabilities it reads: “We likewise call on civil society, business, and government leaders to work toward the removal of all barriers and to provide opportunities for those with disabilities to make their unique contributions to the entire society. We call for the protection of the rights of all people with disabilities, including the rights to health care, employment, education, housing and transportation, and to freedom from discrimination.

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First UMC Hyattsville is a community of faith dedicated to social justice, spiritual growth, and compassionate service. For decades, the church has served as a beacon of hope in Prince George’s County, seeking to live out the Gospel through tangible action and community advocacy.