An Update on the Affordable Workforce Housing Project

Dear Church Family,
 
Since our March charge conference, the heart of FUMC Denton has been brimming with purpose as we've continued the work toward the Workforce Housing initiative in partnership with our dedicated collaborators.
 
We're excited to share that by working alongside HUO Architects, Matthews Southwest, and Volunteers of America, we now have a concept design and site plan that has been fully vetted by City of Denton staff. This design will meet the needs of our friends and neighbors and make an architectural contribution to Downtown Denton and Industrial Street. 
 
We’ve known from the beginning of this process that fulfilling our vision of providing affordable workforce housing in the heart of downtown Denton will require several external factors to align—including interest rates, value of tax credits on the resale market, construction and labor costs, and availability of housing tax credits through the lottery system. Presently, particularly with high interest rates, market conditions are not wholly favorable in these aspects.
 
This project is now "submittal ready," a testament to the thoroughness and dedication of our partners that have guided our every step. FUMC Denton and its partners are fully committed and ready to see this God-sized project through to completion when market conditions are more favorable, but for now we want to celebrate your courageous decision to shine God’s love in a spectacular way and share the progress we’ve made on the architectural/planning front that will allow us to move quickly when the time is right.  
 
During this interim period, our energies will be focused on the holistic care of FUMC Denton. We'll dedicate our efforts to the growth of our impactful ministries and addressing the long-term facility needs across our aging campus. 
 
As Steve Cobb wisely shared in a recent Finance & Trustees meeting, “the need for affordable housing has not gone away. That need is still with us—and our calling is the same.” We are ready to respond to that need and that call when the time is right. 
 
With open hearts, open minds, open arms, and open doors—to God and to each other—we remain steadfast in faith. As we stand at the threshold of tomorrow, we extend an invitation to each of you—come, be a part of this transformative work at FUMC Denton through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Together, we shine with the radiant light of God's love and are co-creators in the transformation of the world. 
 
Grace and peace,
 
Rev. Don Lee, Senior Pastor
Rev. Jonathan Perry, Executive Pastor