Empty Buildings, Full Hearts: A Chance to Help

In Akron, a strange thing is happening. There are more people without homes than ever before. At the same time, many churches are closing down and sitting empty. This is not a coincidence. It's a problem that needs solving. More than 600 people in Summit County are homeless right now. That's a big jump from just two years ago. Even worse, many of these people are living on the streets or in places not meant for living. And it's not just adults. Nearly 1, 800 students in Akron Public Schools are homeless too. This makes it hard for them to learn and can cause long-term problems for their families. While this is going on, churches are shutting down. They're empty, and no one is using them. These buildings are often in the same neighborhoods where homelessness is growing. This is a big miss chance. Before the pandemic, churches and nonprofits worked together to help people. They used church spaces for housing and support services. This worked because they shared the same goals and worked together. Churches have always been important in Akron neighborhoods. They are trusted places built to serve people. Across the country, people are turning old church buildings into housing and community centers. They turn sanctuaries into apartments and fellowship halls into shared living spaces. This keeps the spirit of the buildings alive while giving them a new purpose.Akron can do the same. Many churches are in good shape and located in areas where people need help the most. Using these spaces can save money and time compared to building new places. This isn't about disrespecting sacred spaces. It's about helping people. If churches can't keep their congregations, using their buildings to help those in need is a powerful way to continue their mission. The problem is that no one is coordinating these efforts. City leaders, faith leaders, housing advocates, developers, and nonprofits need to work together. Akron should start a program to help churches turn their unused buildings into housing and community resources. This could include changing zoning rules, providing technical help, and finding ways to pay for these projects. We can't keep talking about compassion while letting empty buildings sit unused. We can't solve homelessness if we ignore the resources we already have. The cost of not acting is high. It's seen in children struggling in school, families moving from place to place, and people living on the streets. Akron has a history of finding community-driven solutions. It's time to use that history to match empty spaces with people in need. Empty churches aren't a problem. They're an opportunity. In a city with a housing crisis, we can't afford to let that opportunity go to waste.