Faith leader T.D. Jakes’ ambitious plan to address South Florida’s housing crisis

A well-known Dallas preacher wants to help lessen South Florida’s housing crisis by building affordable apartments in the region.

The Rev. T.D. Jakes and his real estate arm are planning rental complexes in Miami Gardens and Hallandale Beach. His company, Reverend T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, has announced a partnership with Miami real estate developer New Urban Development, an affiliate of the Urban League of Miami.

“We’re constructing hope and opportunity for those often left on the margins,” Jakes said in a statement. “Our partnership is a testament to the power of purpose-driven real estate, reflecting a commitment to providing affordable housing that not only transforms physical landscapes but also revitalizes the very heart of South Florida communities.”

The Urban League’s New Urban Development is looking forward to working with Jakes.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

Here’s what to know about the affordable housing plans in South Florida:

What are the plans in Miami Gardens?

The 150-unit senior living development in Miami Gardens will occupy seven acres at the intersection of Northwest 183rd Street and 12th Avenue, adjacent to the Miami Gardens Senior Family Center.

What are the plans in Hallandale Beach?

The Hallandale Beach development will consist of 200 apartment units across five acres and is scheduled to break ground in the first quarter of 2024 at Northwest Eighth Avenue between Third Court and Fourth Street.

Will Jakes build churches at the housing complexes?

There are no plans to build churches or faith-based institutions at either property.

What about prices and availability?

Jakes Real Estate Ventures will discuss rental prices and how people can be selected for housing in 2024.

What is Jakes best known for?

T.D. Jakes has written 35 books, including New York Times bestsellers. His annual MegaFest church convention regularly attracts 100,000 people. The Potter’s House church he founded in 1996 has 30,000 members. Jakes also appears on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

What other housing communities have the companies built?

In 2007, Jakes Real Estate Ventures developed Capella Park, a residential community in Dallas. In Atlanta, the company has plans to convert former U.S. Army base Fort McPherson into housing and businesses.

New Urban Development has developed 1,500 units of affordable housing in Miami including The Village I, a Liberty City residential community, with 150 apartments.

“This is about leaving a positive and meaningful legacy not just for us but intentionally for these South Florida communities,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures LLC. “Legacy is at the heart of our vision for positive change — ensuring that future generations don’t have to endure the same obstacles that have challenged marginalized and under-resourced communities for decades. Nearly 60 years after the end of Jim Crow, the wealth gap still remains.”

What is the reaction from other faith-based community builders?

Like Jakes, the Rev. Nathaniel Robinson III is a faith leader who sees the power in leveraging real estate to meet his own congregation’s needs. In 2002, Robinson’s Greater St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church acquired property in its Coconut Grove neighborhood and now owns over $7 million of property and 30 units of low-income housing.

Robinson believes it’s important for other faith-based organizations to understand what affordable housing means in South Florida for many low-income residents of color.

“It’s important for anyone who is doing faith-based affordable housing in South Florida to really be conscious of who can access that affordable housing,” he said. “Outside developers and people not familiar with our state should make themselves aware of the fact that the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County is a majority-minority community. We may think when we talk about affordable housing that we’re talking about Black and underserved people, but that affordable housing may go to people that make more than $80,000 a year.”

Working to help Coconut Grove residents find low-income housing is an extension of the work of Robinson’s ministry.

“Communities all over South Florida and Miami, are being gentrified,” he said. “Residents are being displaced and communities are becoming hyper-segregated. The importance of actual affordable housing stops communities like Coconut Grove, Liberty City and Overtown from being gentrified. When that happens, churches don’t have members and schools don’t have funding.”

Michael Butler, The Miami Herald (Tribune News Service)