Frequently Asked Questions - St. Mary's Land and Legacy
1. What kind of housing is St. Mary’s proposing to build?
We are exploring the possibility of building affordable housing, not transitional or emergency shelter. Affordable housing means homes for working families, seniors, and others with moderate incomes who are currently priced out of the Ramona housing market. This is not a shelter or halfway house.
2. How is affordable housing different from low-income or transitional housing?
Affordable housing is for people earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) — teachers, seniors, young families, essential workers. Low-income housing often refers to deeply subsidized housing with stricter income limits. Transitional housing is typically temporary and for those in crisis (e.g., domestic violence shelters or sober living homes). Our project is permanent, stable housing — not temporary, not emergency-based.
3. Will this be a “homeless shelter?”
No. This project is not a homeless shelter. Affordable housing is for individuals and families who are working, retired, or on fixed incomes, and need safe, stable housing options they can afford.
4. Why is St. Mary’s doing this?
Because we are called to live the Gospel, serve our neighbors, and steward our land wisely. We have underused land, and this is an opportunity to help meet Ramona’s housing needs, provide long-term financial sustainability for the church, and live out our mission in a visible and powerful way.
5. What is SB 4 and how does it help us?
California’s SB 4, also known as the “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) law, makes it easier for religious institutions to build affordable housing on their property. It bypasses local zoning restrictions, protects the environment, and guarantees a faster, more affordable permitting process.
6. What about the open space and the garden? Will we lose that?
We are committed to preserving beauty and green space. The goal is to create housing that complements our church’s identity and maintains outdoor space for events, gatherings, gardens, and worship.
7. Will this housing bring crime or lower property values?
Studies show that affordable housing does not increase crime and does not lower property values when well-managed — especially when built by mission-driven nonprofits like churches. Our housing will be professionally managed, attractive, and community-minded.
8. Will the church still own the land?
Yes. In most faith-based projects, the church retains ownership through a long-term ground lease, which allows us to generate income while ensuring the land is used in a way that aligns with our values and mission.
9. Who will manage the housing? Will we have to fix toilets or collect rent?
No. Our church is small — we don’t have the capacity to be landlords. We will partner with a qualified affordable housing developer, who will, in turn, contract with a professional property management company to handle all aspects of building maintenance, leasing, landscaping, tenant screening, rent collection, and repairs.
10. Who will live there?
People who already live and work in Ramona: school staff, retail workers, senior citizens, young adults just starting out, veterans, and others who earn too much to qualify for government assistance but not enough to afford market-rate rents.
11. What’s next?
We’re in the early planning phase called “predevelopment.” We are gathering feedback, doing feasibility studies, and exploring partnerships with experienced developers. There will be many more opportunities to ask questions, offer ideas, and help shape this project.
If you have further questions or want to be involved, please contact Rev. Hannah Wilder at vicar@stmarysramona.org. Let’s build a future that reflects our faith, hope, and love for our community.