ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg is the first city in Florida to adopt the “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) housing policy, allowing churches and other places of worship to build affordable housing on unused land.
City leaders say the effort could help close a widening housing gap — especially for low-income residents, seniors on a fixed-income and young adults leaving the foster care system who often struggle to find stable housing.
A critical gap after foster care
Faith Youth Services operates a transitional home for young men who have aged out of foster care. But the organization says demand far exceeds space.
“We are maxed out. If we had more room, we’d have more kids,” said CEO Chris Davis…