Advocacy and faith for affordable housing: Opinion by the Rev. Christine Stoxen

The following article by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on June 1, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

We are blessed to live in a community that is growing and thriving, but there exists a quieter reality – one of housing insecurity and homelessness. 

The words of Matthew 25 remind us that faith is not just about belief, but about action – about seeing the stranger, the hungry, and the unhoused, and responding with compassion and justice.

Despite the economic growth in the East Valley, affordable housing remains out of reach for many families. I have stories of members of my faith community that have had to relocate to other areas, away from family and friends due to rising rent prices, stagnant wages, and unexpected financial hardships have left many struggling to find stable shelter. 

In Chandler, the city has acknowledged that homelessness is increasing, with local shelters and services working to provide support. Gilbert, too, has seen a growing need for affordable housing, starting like Save the Family’s Affordable Rental Movement.

Churches and faith communities have long been sanctuaries for those in need. 

The Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) bill, was written to change zoning regulations to allow churches to build affordable housing on their land, was a way to not only meet the needs of the community, but to also help congregations meet their mission in loving and serving their neighbors.

While YIGBY did not pass the State House, we are all called to continue to advocate for housing justice.

Partnering with local housing organizations like IHELP and Family Promise to provide shelter and resources.

Engaging in advocacy to push for policies that protect low-income families.

Raising awareness through community discussions and action.

Matthew 25 is not just a verse—it is a call to action. To truly live out our faith, we must ask: How are we welcoming the stranger? How are we feeding the hungry? How are we ensuring that every person has a place to call home?   

Pastor Chris Stoxen serves Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. She received the 2025 Bedenbaugh Award from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary for faithful leadership, ministry and service. 

View Pastor Chris’s testimony on HB2191 before the House Appropriations Committee in February.

Editor’s note: Are you interesting in writing an OpEd for your news service? We can help — ask us how!