They Shall Build Houses! with Chad Martin

Demand for housing today far outpaces the supply of quality, affordable housing near the places many people work, play, and shop – driving rents and mortgage rates through the roof here in Lancaster and in nearly every place in America where people want to live.

This is a challenge that has been decades in the making with a myriad of complicated causes, so as Chuck Mahron points out in his book Escaping the Housing Trap, the answer is manifold. Escaping this trap requires many creative solutions.

Chad will tell stories and share lessons learned about one solution: People of good will working together to build more apartments and homes to do their part to ease the market pressure for more supply. And to provide safe, quality, affordable homes for some of the most vulnerable households in our community.

Over a dozen years ago, some friends at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church wondered, “Can we just buy a house?” They had been serving neighbors in the city of Lancaster for years, and this step seemed big. It also seemed like a start at creating housing access for folks who struggled to get a leg up.

Today, Chestnut Housing is a standalone nonprofit operating 34 affordable apartments and homes, with a vision to create or preserve 100 homes by 2028. They’re on target, and Chad will tell us about the exciting projects they have in the works to meet their goal.

Since setting this big goal in 2022, the organization has raised millions of dollars, put hundreds of volunteers to work, and inspired housing advocates in congregations across Lancaster County.

Chad will bring us stories about this journey, and most importantly, about the families and individuals – bearers of God’s image – living healthy and fulfilling lives in homes they can afford. We’ll talk about what inspires people to volunteer in a broken and frenzied world, how to move from charity to inspiring advocacy, and how each of us can help create affordable housing in our community.

Expect excellent refreshements, ample time for Q&A, and a chance to connect with neighbors from all across the area and walks of life. Bring a friend!

Speaker Bio

Chad brings nearly 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to his role as the first Executive Director of Chestnut Housing. In addition to executive leadership roles and board service for a variety of organizations, he has been a pastor, an art teacher, and the director of a multi-million dollar grant program to support the preservation of historic church buildings.

Chad lives just outside the city on a six acre farm with his wife Jess and their two kids.

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