On Oct. 13, Compass Church broke ground on four housing units, a duplex, and two accessory dwelling units on donated land on Padre Drive in Salinas, a block away from the church building.
These units aim to attract and retain full-time ministry staff.
“This is more than just a building project. It is an investment in the future health and growth of our church,” said T.K. Anderson, senior pastor at Compass Church, in a letter.
The 925 Project will increase the church's housing stock from two to six units, which will be rented below market rates.
The project has an estimated cost of $2.7 million and it has been on the works for the past couple of years.
Steven McShane with Compass Church says it is challenging for employers in the private and public sector to attract candidates.
“Salinas and Monterey County is a very expensive place to live, and employers… have a hard time figuring out how to solve that problem,” McShane says.
McShane says the church has struggled to hire new employees; he notes that an executive pastor position has been vacant for two years, and other potential candidates have turned down offers because of the high cost of living.
McShane says the project has raised interest among other churches and non-profits in the region. “I do believe that this project represents the start of a solution that may have been overlooked by the public and our community.”
Another church housing project in the area is the affordable housing development at Greater Victory Temple in Seaside. It is a 21-unit, 100-percent affordable housing development.