The need for affordable housing and the connection between housing and health cannot be understated. In fact, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, COVID-19, coupled with economic conditions, has brought devastating harm to millions of families. As a result, 70% of the nation’s 10.8 million extremely low-income renter households are severely burdened by housing costs, spending more than half of their incomes on rent and utilities.
UnitedHealthcare’s work to address social drivers of health and to create new affordable housing opportunities that include support services is driving better health outcomes for some of the nation’s most underserved populations.
Through an additional $100 million investment this year in the Health & Housing Fund, a partnership with Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) and National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT), three affordable housing communities will provide nearly 250 homes for older adults and families in Georgia, North Carolina and Oregon.
Construction is already underway in East Point, GA, where one of the new affordable housing communities will help combat the housing crisis only worsening in the greater Atlanta area. Part of the investment will also support future on-site health-related services for residents
UnitedHealth Group announced its national partnership with SAHF and NAHT in June 2020, which initially provided $118 million in funding for 15 affordable housing communities in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Promoting positive health outcomes through greater access to affordable housing is one part of UnitedHealth Group’s multi-pronged commitment to redefine healthy living for the uninsured and underserved. The company is also investing in programs and partnerships focused on food, health literacy, behavioral health and social isolation.
